LeBron Lakers Outraged After Jokic No Call

Merlin sees the Lakers’ frustration boiling after a 120-113 loss to Denver, their sixth in 11 games. LeBron James blasted the referees, saying he was "so f--king tired" of them calling a Jokić collision "marginal" after he fell and hit his elbow late in the fourth. He is questionable for Friday’s game as L.A. slips 1.5 games behind Denver for the No. 5 seed and prepares a five-game homestand. Merlin notes LeBron has been efficient, shooting over 50 percent in four straight games and posting 16 points and eight assists in the loss, but the timing of an injury scare and mounting losses makes every matchup feel urgent. The homestand will reveal whether the Lakers can steady the ship or slide toward the play-in.