The Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns have been two of the most talked about teams in the Western Conference lately, despite a lack of success on the court. Both teams were eliminated in the first round of the postseason last season and will be looking to advance this time around.
In a recent episode of the Backyard Podcast with Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell, Suns guard Devin Booker seemed to take a swipe at the Lakers. Los Angeles has been criticized for unfair treatment by referees during games and Booker saw his chance to voice his opinion.
Russell and Booker talked about how they got boos during games. Russell said he got boos in Los Angeles. Booker responded that he never got boos before he was with the Lakers.
“It’s not as convenient in LA. You couldn’t get that in Brooklyn or Golden State. That makes sense.”
D’Angleo Russell: “I used to get the whistle, my boy, in LA, young Boul.”
Devin Booker: “It’s not that convenient in LA. You couldn’t get that in Brooklyn or Golden State. That makes sense.”
LMFAOOO 😂😭 pic.twitter.com/z0VbMaIqgG
— CantGuardBook (@CGBBURNER) 4 August 2024
Russell and Booker have remained friends over the years, so this was a friendly shot from Booker. But it shows that the rest of the NBA feels the Lakers make unfair decisions during games.
Most Lakers fans and even the team itself would disagree with this fact. Many believe that the Lakers don’t get as many calls as they should.
Over the last two seasons, Los Angeles has made a total of 4,165 free throws. The Orlando Magic come in next with 4,052 free throws made. The Suns are in 17th place with 3,696 free throws made.
The free throw differential shows that the Lakers may be getting some extra fouls, but that’s also due to their style of play. Los Angeles is going to the basket more than shooting from distance, which leads to more fouls.
With LeBron James and Anthony Davis on the roster, the Lakers live mostly in the marked area. It’s hard to stop either of them, so the opposing team becomes more likely to commit fouls as they drive toward the basket, leading to more free throws.
Booker has had many great matchups with the Lakers throughout his career, with Phoenix being one of the teams that usually improves its performance against Los Angeles.
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