NBA admits one error in Last 2 Minute Report for Lakers-Pacers game
While it ended in a win, the NBA admitted an error in their Last 2 Minute Report that could have proved costly for the Lakers against the Pacers.
The Lakers walked out of Indianapolis on Wednesday with a memorable victory thanks to the heroics of LeBron James, who tipped home a game-winner just ahead of the buzzer.
However, that precarious tightrope the Lakers walked could have easily seen them drop a fourth-straight game. And, as it turns out, they could have felt aggrieved by that as well.
The NBA’s Last 2 Minute Report revealed that the officials missed a foul call in the final minute that would have sent the Lakers to the free throw line with a chance to take the lead.
Prior to the frantic final seconds of the game, the Lakers had a chance to take the lead when Dorian Finney-Smith drove to the basket for a layup with just under 40 seconds remaining. Officially, the play was classified as a missed shot attempt rebounded by Jarace Walker.
However, the Last 2 Minute Report stated that it should have been called a foul on Walker.
NBA admits one error in the Last 2 Minute Report, stating that this should have been called a foul on Jarace Walker, sending Dorian Finney-Smith to the line pic.twitter.com/LwBoLAltg3
— Jacob Rude (@JacobRude) March 27, 2025
The official statement in the league’s L2M states the following:
Walker (IND) turns in mid-air, initiating illegal body contact with Finney-Smith (LAL) that affects his driving shot attempt.
So, the Lakers should have had two free throws with 36 seconds left to tie or take the lead. Ultimately, it worked out for them, but this would have been a pretty sour pill to swallow.
It also would have drastically changed how the game ended. Indiana would have had a chance to get Tyrese Haliburton onto the floor for their offensive possession.
Instead, he never entered the game, the Lakers got one more big stop and LeBron made the play of the night.
You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.