SUMMARY
- The Raptors lost agains the Lakers 132-131.
- Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković slammed league officials for siding with the Lakers throughout the game.
Darko Rajaković went on a rage rant following the Toronto Raptors’ recent game at the Crypto.com Arena. The Raptors’ head coach weighed in on the poor officiating that is being carried out in the league these days. There is an ongoing debate amongst fans who also believe that referees are purposely rigging games for teams that they favor in a matchup. While this has never been publicly addressed by the NBA, its employees are clearly growing frustrated.
The Raptors played against the Los Angeles Lakers last night and things got out of hand during the final minutes of the game. Toronto wasn’t getting enough calls which ultimately cost them the game. The scorecard concluded at 132-131, in favour of LA. Fans took notice of the poor officiating as one said, “Darko is 100% right, the Refs rigged the game for the Lakers, the NBA needs to investigate ASAP.” Another fan said, “More of this please, Adam Silvers has gotten too comfortable with his bad product.”
Darko is 100% right, the Refs rigged the game for the lakers, the NBA needs to investigate ASAP pic.twitter.com/SE2ZGOECiP
— 🦇 (@Shadowiscold) January 10, 2024
More of this please, Adam Silvers gotten too comfortable with his bad product
— ABB (@allballboston) January 10, 2024
This has been a growing problem in the league as several athletes have also spoken out about the referees. Darko Rajaković isn’t the only one who has faced this as the Lakers’ LeBron James had to deal with a similar instance not too long ago. James’ game-winning three-pointer was ruled as a two-point field goal by Tony Brothers in a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Raptors were rewarded two free throw attempts while the Lakers had 23
During the fourth quarter of the game, the Lakers were rewarded with 23 free throw attempts while the Raptors only received two. The only attempt the Raptors were rewarded was given to Scottie Barnes. LA scored 19 points via free throws during their final quarter. Had the Lakers not been given so many calls, the Raptors would have had a significant lead.
Darko Rajaković went on a rant during the post-game press conference. He said, “How’s it possible Scottie Barnes, who is an all-star caliber player in this league, he goes every single time to the rim with force and trying to get to the rim without flopping and not trying to get foul calls and he gets two free throws for the whole game?”
Raptors HC Darko Rajakovic was heated in the postgame presser, unhappy with the Lakers 23 free throw attempts in the 4Q pic.twitter.com/1xvoXrUM6k
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 10, 2024
The Raptors general continued, “How you’re gonna explain it to me? They have to win tonight? If that’s if that’s the case, just let us know so we don’t show up for the game. Just give them a win. This is not happening for the first time for us. Scottie Barnes is going to be an all-star, he is going to be the face of this league. What’s happening over here during the whole season, I have been holding it back. It’s complete crap.”
According to various sources, there is a penalty fee that has to be paid for criticizing league officials. The fine could cost up to $25,000 or be doubled based on the NBA’s analysis of the situation. Rajaković may not be the only individual with such frustrations and the league should address this as well.