LeBron James got the final word — and the NBA backed him up.
Following the Los Angeles Lakers’ 116-114 win over the Phoenix Suns, the league released its Last Two Minute (L2M) report, confirming that officials made the correct decision on the controversial no-call involving James and Dillon Brooks late in the game.
For Lakers fans, it was long-awaited validation.
⏱️ The Controversial Moment Explained
With under a minute remaining, Brooks buried a clutch three-pointer over LeBron that briefly gave Phoenix the lead.
Immediately after the shot, Brooks argued that James made illegal contact, leading to a heated exchange between the two players. Officials assessed a technical foul to Brooks — his second of the night — resulting in an ejection.
Many questioned whether a defensive foul should have been called on LeBron instead.
The NBA didn’t see it that way.
✅ NBA Confirms Correct No-Call
According to league insider Brett Siegel, the L2M report upheld the officials’ ruling.
“The L2M report says this was the correct no call on LeBron James, as Dillon Brooks extended his legs to try and draw a foul. This play led to Dillon Brooks’ ejection as a result of a technical foul.”
In short, contact occurred — but not enough to warrant a foul under NBA guidelines.
🔄 Momentum Swings Defined the Finish
The ending was as chaotic as it was dramatic.
Los Angeles appeared to have full control after building a 111–97 lead with under four minutes remaining. Phoenix responded with a stunning 12–0 run, briefly reclaiming momentum and the lead.
In the final moments, the Lakers steadied themselves.
LeBron James and Marcus Smart knocked down clutch free throws, sealing the road victory and silencing the Phoenix crowd.
📊 Free Throws and Rebounding Tell the Story
The difference came down to fundamentals.
The Lakers dominated:
- Free throws: 33-of-43
- Rebounds: 54
Phoenix, meanwhile, finished with:
- Free throws: 21-of-25
- Rebounds: 37
That disparity proved decisive in a two-point game.
👑 LeBron Leads the Way
James delivered a complete performance:
- 26 points
- 4 assists
- 3 rebounds
- 2 steals
- 2 blocks
He shot 8-of-17 from the field, 1-of-5 from three, and 9-of-14 at the line, anchoring both ends when it mattered most.
🌟 Balanced Lakers Attack
Los Angeles placed four players in double figures:
- Luka Dončić: 29 points, 6 assists
- Deandre Ayton: 20 points, 13 rebounds
- Jaxson Hayes: 12 points, 9 rebounds
The depth and interior presence helped offset cold perimeter shooting.
📈 Lakers Keep Climbing
With the win, the Lakers improved to 18–7, holding fourth place in the Western Conference. They remain tied with the San Antonio Spurs, while trailing the Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets.
Los Angeles now turns its attention to the road once again, with a matchup against the Utah Jazz on December 18.
🏁 Final Word
The moment was controversial.
The ruling was debated.
But the NBA made it clear.
LeBron James played it clean — and the Lakers earned the win.
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