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.

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Lakers News
Coco Gauff of the United States poses with the trophy after winning the women’s singles final against Aryna Sabalenka on day 14 at Roland Garros Stadium.
LeBron James erupts with huge reaction to Coco Gauff’s French Open winLorenzo J Reyna ·
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kobe Bryant, Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Lakers
How Shai Gilgeous-Alexander draws ‘influence’ from Kobe BryantTomer Azarly ·
LeBron James, Stephen (Steph) Curry, who may be heading to an ESPN NBA broadcasting booth after they retire, after Lakers-Warriors game on December 25, 2024.
ESPN has ‘hopeful’ LeBron James, Stephen Curry wishAndrew Korpan ·
Chris Paul rescinded NBA trade Lakers Hornets
Chris Paul shuts down Hornets-Lakers trade conspiracyJulian Ojeda ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) during the fourth quarter.
Luka Doncic’s offseason body transformation has Lakers fans hypedJedd Pagaduan ·
Lakers' Shaquille O'Neal stands next to Kobe Bryant with GOAT signs in background
Shaquille O’Neal has no regrets over treatment of Kobe BryantRandall Barnes ·

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.