Going for a rebound against the Suns’ Jusuf Nurkic, LeBron James had one hand going for the ball, and another swatting the 7-foot center’s groin area. Immediately, with the ball in his grasp, the Bosnian big man fell to the floor, with the wind visibly knocked out of him. Was LeBron’s apparent groin smack intentional?

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— Diamond Dog (@DiamondDogzzz) December 6, 2023

Phoenix fans were upset at officiating against the Lakers

As the game progressed and that foul wasn’t called, Suns fans also took aim at the officials’ performance. In a later play, LeBron’s elbow impacted on Nurkic’s face, which could have spelled a different outcome to the game. The Bosnian center found himself in foul trouble early in the game, adding to Phoenix’s frustration.

A controversial time-out when the Lakers didn’t seem to have clear possession of the ball was also criticized by Suns fans, who missed their chance at making NBA history and progress in the tournament.

In the end, the Lakers are the ones who are going to Las Vegas and will face the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday at 9pm ET.