The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a heartbreaking 143-142 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night, but this could have been a game that was over before it reached the overtime period. LeBron James, author of the game-tying shot in regulation, clearly called a timeout — one the Lakers didn't have, before taking a few more steps and burying a cold-blooded three from three feet behind the 3-point arc, sending the game to an extra period.

“When I saw LeBron calling for the timeout I was yelling and I think Kuz was too, I've got to watch the tape,” said head coach Luke Walton, according to ClutchPoints' Ryan Ward. “But once he realized that we didn't have any there wasn't an action we ran. LeBron dribbled up and made a three, which is what makes him special.”

By Rule 12, Section I, LeBron James would have been hit with a technical foul and the Spurs would have been awarded a technical free throw along with the ball, resulting in a turnover.

It's unclear if the officials simply did not see it, or if they avoided being put on that spot, potentially spoiling the moment that would set the Staples Center ablaze before the Spurs came away with the win in overtime.

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This could have been an anticlimactic ending to a high-octane regular season game, but surely not one head coach Luke Walton would complain about after ripping the refs for once again being outshot from the foul line.

The Spurs put their fair share of heroics in this game, clawing back from a six-point deficit in overtime thanks to a layup by Bryn Forbes, a 3-pointer from Rudy Gay and the eventual long-range dagger by Patty Mills to seal the deal.

The league's two-minute report should highlight this very play in it, admitting to another huge miss from the officials — one that fortunately worked out well for those in attendance and glued to their TV sets.

LeBron James, either way, is fine following the mess.