NBA admits referees robbed Los Angeles Lakers - Blown call on Luka Doncic cost them Game 4 vs Minnesota Timberwolves

The NBA confirmed what Luka Doncic and Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick argued after their game 4 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves - officials missed a critical foul that could have changed the outcome. With 35.4 seconds remaining and the Lakers trailing by one point, Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels tripped Doncic near half-court, but no foul was called.
Replays clearly showed Jaden McDaniels stepping into Luka Doncic's path, causing the Lakers star to lose his balance. The league's Last 2 Minute Report stated this should have been called a foul, which would have sent Doncic to the free-throw line with Los Angeles in the bonus. Two successful free throws would have given the Lakers the lead.

Instead of getting free throws, the Los Angeles Lakers burned a timeout to avoid a half-court violation since Luka Doncic fell with only two seconds left to advance the ball. The ensuing inbounds pass resulted in a LeBron James turnover, allowing Minnesota to secure the 108-107 victory and take a commanding 3-1 series lead.

JJ Redick didn't hold back after the game, calling the non-call blatant. "Luka got tripped," Redick told reporters. "That was a blatant trip. He doesn't just fall on his own. We should have been at the free-throw line. He got fouled." The NBA's report supported JJ Redick's claim, stating Jaden McDaniels initiated illegal foot contact that caused Luka Doncic to lose his balance.

History heavily favors Minnesota after their game 4 win. Teams leading a best-of-seven series 3-1 advance 95.5% of the time, with only 13 teams ever overcoming such a deficit. The Lakers have shown flashes of dominance, outscoring the Timberwolves 120-96 in first quarters and 115-112 in third quarters through four games.
Also read: Los Angeles Lakers’ head coach JJ Redick bashes NBA referees after controversial Game 4 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves
However, Minnesota's strong second quarters (121-102 advantage) and complete fourth-quarter dominance (105-69 edge) have been the difference. The Los Angeles Lakers must solve their late-game struggles quickly, as game 5 tips off Wednesday at 7 PM PST on TNT. With their season on the line, Los Angeles will look to extend the series and overcome both the Timberwolves and the odds.