LeBron James feels referees have a bias towards shooters

LeBron James is a frustrated man after the Cavs found themselves on the losing side of a rather competitive match up against the Spurs(110-94 loss).

James was infuriated by the fact that he was awarded just 4 free throws in the game, when he had actually driven in close to ‘100 times’, and was fouled a lot more than what the referee awarded him with.

He feels that the refs now favour shooters more than players who drive in and try to make a play happen.

“We’re at a point now where we protect the shooter more than the driver” James said.

“There’s no reason I should be going to the line four times in a game when I drive 100 times to the paint and I’m getting hit and slapped and grabbed and whatever and whatnot. We protect the shooter. That’s what it’s turned into. ‘Chicks dig the long ball,’ and that’s what it’s about.” he added.

According to the post match statistics from Second Spectrum, James had a total of 12 direct drives, however none of them resulted in a foul.

James is traditionally someone who attack the rim a lot, but probably his size and strength do not work in his favour with respect to refereeing decisions is what Tristan Thompson feels.

“I mean, he attacks the rim a lot, so it’s up to the ref. It’s on them to make the calls,” Thompson said.

“I think, with him being so strong and athletic, just because he’s bigger and stronger than everyone, doesn’t mean it (should not be) a foul. I think he gets fouled more than anyone in this league, and he gets hit, but people kind of take advantage of the fact that he’s 280 (pounds) and he’s a freight train. But if a guy gets hit, you got to call the foul. But that’s just my personal opinion.” he added.

James averages 11.2 drives per game but a meagre 6 free throws per game, way down from 7.2 free throws per game from last season.

What triggered these comments today was that James had an altercation with the referee in the 4th quarter, with Cavs down 79-91, when James was called for a technical foul as he argued with the referee regarding a foul that was committed on him when was attempting a drive to the rim.

“Some nights you’re going to get them, some nights you’re not.

“But you can’t let that dictate emotions and feelings. You got to still keep playing and get better as a team.” Thompson concluded.