Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković did not hold back in lambasting the officials after his team lost 132-131 to the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Calif.
Rajaković was furious over what he believed to be a lopsided whistle on Tuesday in favor of the Lakers, particularly late in the contest. The Lakers shot 23 free throws in the fourth quarter — more than 11 times the Raptors’ total of two.
The Serbian head coach went on a furious rant calling out the referees during his postgame press conference.
“What happened tonight, this is completely BS,” said Rajaković. “This is shame. Shame for the referees, shame for the league to allow this. 23 free throws for them and we get 2 free throws in the fourth quarter. … If that’s the case, just let us know so we don’t show up for the game.”
"This is completely BS, this is shame. Shame for the referees, shame for the league…if that's the case, just let us know so we don't show up for the game."
Darko Rajakovic went OFF at the refs after a Raptors 1-point loss, after some suspect 4th quarter calls. pic.twitter.com/K9p7ZAzyTz
— Faizal Khamisa (@FaizalKhamisa) January 10, 2024
Rajaković stated that he understands the notion of star players getting favorable calls. But he added that he expects the same treatment for the Raptors’ budding star, Scottie Barnes.
Rajaković explained that Barnes was driving to the rim repeatedly “with force” and yet only had two free throw attempts. The Lakers’ two stars Anthony Davis and LeBron James combined for 20 free throw attempts, which was seven more than the entire Raptors team.
Even the Raptors announcers were frustrated with Barnes not getting calls.
Hmmmm, enough Raptors announcers!!!
"Are you saying it's not an and-1? If it was LeBron, it would be an and-1.
" 21-2 in the 4th quarter LA had an advantage in FTA. pic.twitter.com/56BjGd9INn
— Faseeh Khan (@fk3046) January 10, 2024
Despite the lack of fouls in their favor, Toronto was still very much alive late in Tuesday’s contest. However, a game-tying three from Barnes with under 30 seconds left was wiped away by a controversial offensive foul on RJ Barrett.
RJ Barrett was called for a moving screen before this game-tying three from Scottie Barnes.
Good or bad call? 🤔
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 10, 2024
The Raptors coach’s rant comes just a day after Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown went on his own rant against NBA officials. The Celtics star demanded for an investigation into the referees on duty for his team’s 133-131 loss to the Indiana Pacers, which also ended on a couple of controversial calls.
