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LeBron James can do no wrong

. . . at least in the eyes of the officials.

2020 NBA Finals - Game Four Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Generally speaking, bad foul calls go both ways. But in the case of LeBron James, the officials are specifically hesitant to call anything on him. This may be a bold (and arguable) position, but eighteen minutes of Game 4 has convinced me.

We’re only halfway through the second quarter and already James has not been called for a blocking foul (where he flopped) , an offensive foul (pushing off Tyler Herro).

Note: Herro was accused by Jeff Van Gundy to have flopped. And from this angle, it appears so, but on the straightaway camera angle, it is clear, James raised his elbow.

And in the second quarter, he hooked Bam Adebayo’s arm under the rim to disrupt the rebound. The official was staring right at them and ignored the foul.

Moments later, LeBron clearly knocked the ball out of bounds (again right in front of the official) was still rewarded with the possession.

So, by halftime, LeBron James should technically have been in foul trouble and acquired at least one more turnover.

It seems pretty clear that he gets special treatment, but exactly how much he respect he gets from the refs could eventually alter the outcome of the game.

It’s 49-47 — Lakers by two — at half, but I am going to call it a night and assume this thing is going to go L.A.’s way.

What do you think, Pounders? Have the calls been lopsided For either team during this series? And if so, how have foul calls impacted the 2020 NBA Finals?


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