Inside the NBA’s silent tension surrounding Daryl Morey

For the second straight season, the Los Angeles Lakers have sent a complaint to the NBA league office about officiating. This time around, the Lakers contend that LeBron James is not getting foul calls as he should be.

Los Angeles says that James was fouled numerous times in the team’s loss to the Miami Heat on Monday. They sent what they feel was video evidence of multiple missed calls. Both James and Lakers head coach Darvin Ham said they felt the officiating was poor in the loss.

Last season, following a play where James appeared to be fouled on a last-second drive at the Boston Celtics, the Lakers also issued a complaint. That prompted a response from the NBA Officials that said they “lost sleep” over missed calls.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic said now is the time to start focusing on his future with the team. Until this point, Doncic had been focused on playing basketball and not his contract.

“I didn’t think about it yet,” Doncic said. “I’ve been focused on basketball. So obviously this is the time now to think about everything.”

In August, due to timing rules based on Doncic’s current contract, the Lakers can offer the superstar a four-year extension. Because he was traded to the Lakers, Doncic is no longer eligible to sign for the super max extension starting at 35% of the cap.

Doncic did join teammate LeBron James in endorsing the job that Lakers coach JJ Redick did this season.

“I think he’s a hell of a coach,” Doncic said. “I’m really glad I got coached by him these couple of months. It feels sometimes like I’m back in Europe a little bit. So I love it. We have a great bond. It’s been nothing but amazing with him as a coach.”