NBA Fans Fume Over Lakers' Last-Second Timeout Drama in Win Against Suns ... Explained

In a dramatic twist during Tuesday night's clash between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns, a controversial timeout call in the final seconds of the game left NBA fans in an uproar, questioning whether the Suns were denied a chance to tie or win the game.

Despite the Lakers securing a 106–103 victory, the pivotal moment came with 7.4 seconds remaining when a timeout was granted to the Lakers, seemingly after Austin Reaves lost possession of the ball near their basket. Trapped by Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, LeBron James called timeout, and the referees allowed it, despite apparent confusion over whether Reaves had retained control.

"The whole world seen it. I just got off social media and other players around the league seen it. Refs miss calls sometimes but when it's a bit that obvious, it's tough."

Devin Booker on the refs granting LeBron/Lakers a timeout on Reaves turnover. pic.twitter.com/FkexzZH5Ul

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) December 6, 2023

After the game, crew chief Josh Tiven explained that the officials believed the Lakers still had possession when LeBron James requested the timeout. However, Suns coach Frank Vogel was dissatisfied, suggesting that the call should have been subject to review.

Crew chief Josh Tiven had this to say on controversial timeout in Lakers vs Suns: https://t.co/IdgH9DPHzF pic.twitter.com/SK60hMvjOd

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 6, 2023

"I know it's not a foul or an out of bounds, which is, like, a challenge," Vogel stated in his postgame presser. "But at any point in the game, if the whistle blows, inadvertently, the refs can huddle up and say, 'Inadvertent whistle, where are we at during the game?' That did not happen."

NBA fans took to social media to express their disbelief and frustration over the Lakers being granted the timeout, even though the call didn't directly impact the final result.

Did the Suns get robbed on a late controversial timeout vs Lakers? @RealSkipBayless weighs in: pic.twitter.com/XJRkSNqlap

— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) December 6, 2023

Despite the controversy, the Lakers secured a spot in the in-season tournament semifinals, where they will face the Pelicans on Thursday at 9 p.m. ET, a game televised on TNT.