LeBron James Draws “Worst Whistle,” JJ Redick Says After Game 2 Loss
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May 7, 2026 — Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick criticized the officiating following the team’s 124-118 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals at Paycom Center.
Redick argued that referees are routinely overlooking contact against LeBron James, calling the 21-year veteran’s treatment by officials “the worst whistle of any star player I’ve ever seen.” He cited a second-half sequence in which Thunder forward Jaylin Williams challenged a baseline spin move by James, saying the Lakers forward “got clobbered” without drawing a foul.
“The smaller guys, because they can be theatrical, they typically draw more fouls,” Redick said. “The bigger players that are built like LeBron, it’s hard for them. He gets fouled a lot and it doesn’t get called. He gets hit on the head more than any player I’ve ever seen on drives and it rarely gets called.”
James offered a brief response when asked about his limited trips to the free-throw line: “I don’t know.” The four-time MVP has attempted five free throws through the first two games of the series, down from 5.3 per game during the regular season and well below his 7.4 career average.
Despite the officiating concerns, James focused on on-court adjustments as the series shifts to Crypto.com Arena for Game 3. He pointed to reducing second-chance points and sustaining effort across the full 48 minutes, expressing less worry about turnovers than Redick and other team members.
Game 3 is scheduled for May 9 in Los Angeles, where the Lakers will look to avoid a 3-0 series deficit.
Source: Lakers Nation
