LeBron James says he had a 'malfunction' after committing one of the worst travels of the season
LeBron James committed a blatant travel on Wednesday against the Utah Jazz that the referees missed completely.
After the game, James said he had a "malfunction," calling it one of the worst plays of his career.
James also said he felt bad for the ref who missed it, knowing he will likely be criticized.
On Wednesday, LeBron James committed a blatant travel that went uncalled, much to the bemusement of the Utah Jazz and their fans and the amusement of the NBA world.
In the first quarter, James brought the ball past half-court, picked up his dribble with one hand, took several steps, then resumed dribbling. Somehow, the referees missed what was a travel and a double-dribble, even as Jazz guard Bojan Bogdanovic hollered about the violation.
"It was the worst thing, probably one of the worst things I've ever done in my career," James told reporters after the game.
"I think I was ready to pass the ball, and my brain just kind of just, I had a malfunction. I really had a malfunction."
Here's the play:
What the... 🤷🏼♂️🤦🏼♂️@OfficialNBARefspic.twitter.com/3vBvOP8vta
— Brian Taylor (@RealGolfBT) December 5, 2019
The Lakers beat the Jazz, 121-96, as James finished with 20 points and 12 assists.
After the game, he also said he felt bad for the referee who missed the call because of the criticism.
"I feel bad for the refs on that one because they'll probably get a write-up on that or something," James said. "That was pretty bad."
The NBA world has had fun with the mishap, however.
Sending the message to the opponent that you're a made man and the rules don't apply to you the same way 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 https://t.co/riE2fLuz33
— 🎃Aye throw that 👻BOOz👻 II Men on🎃 (@DragonflyJonez) December 5, 2019
And: The Proclaimers-LeBron James mash-up you didn't know you needed.
Just to be the man... @KingJames#NBATwitterpic.twitter.com/dDwdouKyB2
— Billy 👻 Boourns (@Billyd2411) December 5, 2019