LeBron Received A Rare Violation Call In Game 5 Loss

Superstars get most of the calls in the NBA; that’s just a fact.

We’re not saying it’s wrong per se; we’re just pointing out something that’s of public knowledge.

That’s why it was somewhat shocking to see the referees calling LeBron James for a five-second back-to-the-basket violation, one of the strangest in the league.

James usually gets away with a lot of stuff — this included — so to see the referees make that call at the beginning of the game was a bit of a surprise.

Refs call a 5 second violation on Lebron.. rare call to see! #LALvsGSW pic.twitter.com/kaVFES2WYS

— Rate the Refs App (@Rate_the_Refs) May 11, 2023

This rule prevented players like Charles Barkley from dominating and make the most of their bodies to hold onto the ball for most of a possession before attempting a shot, as they could easily overpower most of their defenders.

It’s not usual to see players spending that much time in the low post or playing with their backs to the basket anymore, as the game has been more oriented toward the perimeter nowadays.

James didn’t exactly have a size advantage over Draymond Green in that particular possession, but he did incur a five-second violation.

For years, fans have criticized the officials for never calling James for an offensive foul when he drives to the rim, as he usually charges his defender.

But that’s just the way it goes in professional sports.

Superstars earn their stripes, and the referees look the other way or give them a favorable whistle because that’s what most fans want to see.

It shouldn’t be that way, but it is what it is.