In a post-game press conference that took an unexpected turn, Dallas Mavericks Head Coach Jason Kidd left reporters and fans stunned with a bold statement just minutes after the intense matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks concluded at Crypto.com Arena.
The Mavericks narrowly lost to the Lakers in a nail-biting finish, with the final score standing at 112-110, thanks to a buzzer-beater by Lakers’ star LeBron James, who showed once again why he’s still a force to be reckoned with even in the twilight of his career.
But it wasn’t the on-court action that stole the headlines — it was what Jason Kidd said afterward that lit up social media.
Standing at the podium, visibly frustrated but calm, Kidd looked around the room and said:
“Let me be honest — I’m done playing political basketball. If the league wants the Lakers in the Finals so badly, just send them now. This wasn’t just bad refereeing — this was sabotage.”
Reporters in the room fell silent as Kidd continued, referencing several controversial calls in the fourth quarter that many felt favored the Lakers. He even held up a printed stat sheet, pointing to the disparity in free throws, which showed the Lakers had 24 attempts compared to the Mavericks’ 9.
He concluded with a pointed statement:
“I respect LeBron, I respect Darvin Ham, but what happened out there wasn’t basketball — it was theater. And we’re not here to be extras in someone else’s scripted ending.”
The NBA has yet to respond to Kidd’s explosive remarks, but league insiders believe a hefty fine and potential suspension may be on the horizon.
As for the Mavericks, they now look ahead to their next game, hoping to move past the controversy and regain momentum in the Western Conference.
