Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker tried to lead the team to a win against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. It was a close battle between the rival teams, which ended with the Lakers’ 116-114 win. The entire contest had everyone on the edge of their seats, as it was physical and had a lot of gameplay.
One of the reviews in the match happened late in the fourth quarter. The Suns were up 114-113, and the Lakers looked for a chance to take over. With the clock winding down, the ball ended up in James’ hands, and he attempted a 3-pointer, with Booker contesting. However, the officials called a shooting foul on Phoenix’s star.
Booker was surprised by the call, which allowed the Lakers to score two points from the charity stripe. Following the contest, the former Kentucky guard was asked about his thoughts on the officiating. He stayed candid about it and said this:
“I gotta check the rulebook. I’ve always been told hand is part of the ball.”
"I gotta check the rulebook. I've always been told hand is part of the ball… it's over with now. I shouldn't have been in the area to commit that foul."
"Possession before, Bron did run through Dillon on his three too."
Devin Booker was candid recounting moments from this… pic.twitter.com/3QrC4497ai
— Stephen PridGeon-Garner 🏁 (@StephenPG3) December 15, 2025
“It’s over with now, I shouldn’t have been in the area to commit that foul,” Devin Booker added.
While he was more accepting of how his foul was officiated, he didn’t feel the same about what happened with Dillon Brooks’ ejection. Late in the game, Brooks was given a second technical foul for going chest-to-chest with James, which is an automatic ejection in the league.
“But the possession before, Bron did run through Dillon on his three, too.”
Booker scored 27 points in his first game back after dealing with a groin strain for the last three games.
NBA referee Tyler Ford talked about Devin Booker’s foul
Fans want answers from the referees for the call they made on Devin Booker’s contest over LeBron James. After the game, a pool report was released, and crew chief Tyler Ford addressed the reasoning behind the Booker foul.
“Booker made illegal contact to the right wrist of James during the shot attempt and was called for a defensive foul,” the official said.
Pool report with lead official Tyler Ford on Phoenix Suns 116-114 loss to Los Angeles Lakers Dec. 14 at Mortgage Matchup Center. #Suns #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/wIxfZQrphq
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) December 15, 2025
The officiating crew has insisted that they made the correct call on Booker and the Suns. However, not many fans liked the result. The league’s L2M (Last Two Minute Report), which will be made public on Monday, will be the final review.
