LeBron James offered a candid take after a controversial moment late in the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, involving a crucial turnover by Anthony Edwards. With just 10 seconds remaining on the clock, Edwards initially appeared to commit a turnover under heavy defensive pressure from James. However, the Timberwolves immediately challenged the play, leading officials to take a closer look at the contact.
After review, the original call was overturned. Instead of a turnover, the referees ruled that James had committed a foul on Edwards during the play. Reacting to the decision, LeBron made a pointed remark, stating, “The hand is a part of the ball.” His comment implied that in his view, the contact he made should have been considered legal, as it is a widely accepted basketball principle that incidental hand contact with the ball is not necessarily a foul.
LeBron’s frustration was evident, especially considering the timing and importance of the call. A turnover would have given his team a critical possession with a chance to secure the win, but the reversal shifted momentum back to the Timberwolves, altering the closing moments of the matchup.
The incident has since sparked significant debate among fans, analysts, and former players, many of whom weighed in on whether the foul call was justified. For LeBron and his team, it was a tough break in a tightly contested game, and his comment highlighted the ongoing tension and scrutiny surrounding officiating decisions during high-pressure moments in the NBA.
