King James has spoken.
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James voiced the sentiments of many NBA fans when he called for a change to the league’s challenge rules.
During Wednesday’s Western Conference Finals matchup, the Dallas Mavericks won both of their coach’s challenges against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Despite successfully overturning the referees’ mistakes twice, they were left without any challenges for the fourth quarter of a close Game 1 at Target Center.
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James took to social media to advocate for a rule modification.
“Have to change that challenge rule! No way you have 2 successful challenges and can’t anymore for the rest of the game! Makes ABSOLUTELY NO SENSE”
He likely has a valid point.
Originally, the NBA allotted each team one coach’s challenge regardless of the outcome.
Last July, the Board of Governors approved a second challenge for teams if their first review was successful.
Many observers complain that frequent review stoppages disrupt the flow of NBA games, especially in the final minutes.
Increasing the number of allotted challenges could exacerbate this issue.
However, it seems unfair to punish teams for officials’ multiple missed calls.
The ultimate goal should be to get the calls right.
The NFL provides a third challenge to teams that are successful on their first two.
Earlier this year, the NFL owners approved a rule allowing a third red flag if the coach gets at least one of the first two challenges correct.
While it might be too soon for the NBA to modify its challenge system again, LeBron’s influence could bring attention to the issue and push the league to reconsider the rules.
