The NBA has imposed a $25,000 fine on Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic following his vehement criticism of the officiating in the team’s narrow 132-131 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. Rajakovic’s impassioned remarks centered on the significant disparity in free-throw opportunities between the two teams.

The controversy arose from the Lakers receiving 36 free throws compared to the Raptors’ 13, a discrepancy that became particularly pronounced in the fourth quarter. The Lakers were awarded 23 free throws in the last quarter alone, while the Raptors only went to the line twice. Follow your favourite NBA team with attractive betting odds from Nextbet, one of the best basketball gambling sites.

“That’s outrageous,” Rajakovic stated. “What happened tonight, this is completely BS. This is shame. Shame for the referees. Shame for the league to allow this.”

Rajakovic highlighted the case of Scottie Barnes, describing him as an “All-Star-caliber player” who struggled to draw fouls despite aggressive play. The Raptors’ frustration was compounded when point guard Immanuel Quickley fouled out in the fourth quarter following a Flagrant 1 call.

This incident echoes a similar situation from last season involving referee Ben Taylor, who was previously criticized by then-Raptors point guard Fred VanVleet after a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. VanVleet, who was fined $30,000 for his comments, accused Taylor of poor officiating and disrupting the game’s flow.

Rajakovic’s fine underscores the ongoing tension between NBA teams and officiating, particularly in high-stakes games where foul calls can significantly impact the outcome. As the Raptors grapple with this setback, the broader issue of officiating consistency in the NBA continues to be a topic of debate among players, coaches, and fans alike. Get the latest updates from the NBA only on Nextbet Sports.