Lakers fans are calling Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dirty, and it doesn’t have to do with flopping originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The fallout continues from a controversial Game 2 between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals.
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Frustration from the visitors’ side boiled over as the Thunder pulled away from the Lakers to win 125-107 on Thursday night. Lakers players met with Ben Taylor and the refereeing crew at half court following the defeat, and JJ Redick blasted the officiating crew as Los Angeles fell behind in the series 2-0.
One sequence that continues to irk Lakers and NBA fans took place early in the third quarter, when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was called for a Flagrant 1 foul — and it had nothing to do with flopping amid light contact.
After he engaged in a tussle with the Lakers’ Austin Reaves. Gilgeous-Alexander appeared to lock and twist Reaves’ right arm as he got into position to receive a pass from Ajay Mitchell.
MORE: Austin Reaves demands respect from NBA officials following a frustrating defeat
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The call ultimately favored the Lakers, but fans were displeased anyway as Reaves might have been fortunate to avoid a serious injury.
“Shai really tried to break Reaves arm,” one X user said.
“Anyone who’s played sports or who has any knowledge on physiology knows he could’ve legit torn Reeves’ rotator cuff on this play,” another wrote.
“One of the dirtiest plays the league has ever seen. How is he still in the game???” asked another.
The Thunder blew open Game 2 after Gilgeous-Alexander went to the bench with his fourth foul, and he finished with 22 points as Oklahoma City took a commanding series lead over the shorthanded Lakers.
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Despite their march toward a second consecutive NBA title, Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder remain burdened by the growing belief that the league’s reigning MVP is a dirty player, playing for a team that generally gets a lot of leeway from officials.
