There were a number of contentious moments in the Los Angeles Lakers’ Game 4 crucial loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday.

One that stands out, however, is the overturned call late in the fourth quarter.

Game officials initially called a turnover on Anthony Edwards after he lost the ball with just 10.7 seconds remaining in the final frame.

After reviewing the play, however, the referees decided to call a foul on LeBron James for supposedly hitting Edwards’ hand as the Lakers superstar attempted to swat the ball away on the play.

It was deemed a shooting foul, too, and Edwards ended up making both of his free throws to give Minnesota a 116-113 lead, which would turn out to be the final score of the game. Did LeBron James foul Anthony Edwards here?!? pic.twitter.com/zMuyoFitdq — Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) April 27, 2025 James shared his thoughts on the controversial incident during his post-game press conference.

According to the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, he did not think he fouled Edwards on the play.

“That play happens all the time,” he said. “Hand is part of the ball, that’s what they say. I felt like the hand was a part of that ball.

“I was able to get his hand on top of the ball, the ball stripped down and out on him. So I’ve seen that play over and over before, but it is what it is.”

“The hand is a part of the ball.” -LeBron James on Anthony Edwards’ turnover with 10 seconds left being reversed to a foul called on James after a challenge by the Timberwolves. pic.twitter.com/hqHNp9srii — ESPN (@espn) April 28, 2025 James’ statement quickly made waves on social media, and the majority of fans clearly did not agree with his take.

So much so that a lot of them were left in disbelief over what James said about the play in question. “This man cannot be for real..” a comment on X read. “HAND???” said another.

“Brother you drilled his wrist and forearm. Sit this one out,” declared a fan.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half during game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs.

Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images “Say what ?” posted a user. “LeBron out here rewriting physics.

Next he’s gonna say ‘the court is part of the player,'” another wrote. “The @NBA better fine this man for disagreeing with the correct call on the floor in an interview!” a user demanded. To be fair, a fair number of fans on social media came out to defend James by saying that they agree with his assessment of the call.

Nevertheless, none of this matters now. The fact of the matter is that the Lakers are down big in this series, and they will need to dig deep if they want to come out of this 3-1 hole. Game 5 is on Wednesday in L.A., and the Lakers must win that one to stay alive in this series.