PHOENIX – It was a wild and intense ending on Sunday night between the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers, and the late-game foul call on Devin Booker on LeBron James has everybody talking and wondering if it was a proper foul at all.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
Dec 14, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix guard Booker (1) reacts after being called for a foul on Los Angeles forward James (23) during the final seconds of the game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images
With the Suns holding a one-point lead with just over three seconds left, the ball found its way to LeBron James for the game-winning shot, and just as he was about to shoot, Devin Booker made contact with James’ hand. The NBA clarifies that the part of a player’s hand that is touching the basketball is considered part of the ball, meaning incidental contact on that specific area by a defender isn’t usually a foul. So why exactly was Booker’s foul called?
Foul call on LeBron 3-pointer gives the Lakers a chance for the lead pic.twitter.com/vgAVet0NVf
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) December 15, 2025
Dec 14, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shoots a three pointer against Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) during the final seconds of the game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images
When asked about it, Suns star SG said that the referee claimed that Booker made contact with James’ wrist, although he mentioned after that what the referee said was a lie, and that he didn’t see that, after he rewatched the clip. (Credit: Duane Rankin | AZCentral)
“She said I hit his wrist, which is a lie. I rewatched it.”
Devin Booker on his PF on LeBron James 3 with 3 seconds left as he’s talking about referee Jenna Schroeder.
Suns challenge ruled unsuccessful.
2 of 3 FTs gave L.A. 115-114 lead.
Lakers won 116-114 #Suns #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/eIzFfC0cYW
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) December 15, 2025
Suns fans react to Devin Booker’s late-game foul call:
Hand is part of ball, and he wasn’t shooting yet. The fact they go back review this call it foul, but go back look at LeBron fouling brooks on the 3 and don’t call that is wild
— roy (@roymccoy22) December 15, 2025
Bad call but also what is Booker doing? LeBron’s not hitting that shot, no need for him to be so aggressive there.
— Rich Dalton (@Wildcat2807) December 15, 2025
Insane this is a foul but LeBron running through him on the play before was ignored
— Ethan (@b0st0nguy) December 15, 2025
Hand is part of the ball but not the wrist. It’s SUPER close but looks like he got wrist there
— DBlumpkin (@HexagonGuy221) December 15, 2025
Nah it’s cuz it’s LeBron simple
— Bartholemew Kuma (@YOUALWAYSBZTN) December 15, 2025
There were some questions about whether Booker ended up being in the landing space of James after his three-point attempt or if LeBron was just getting superstar treatment, although if the reasoning was strictly the contact made to James’ hand, Booker might have a point with his frustration being warranted. With a rivalry renewed with the tense atmosphere and the intensity of last night’s matchup, it is sure to bring more must-see moments and highlights the rest of the season, although the Suns must focus on making sure moments like last night end up going their way.
Dec 14, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix guard Booker (1) is called for a foul against Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) from behind the three-point line during the second half of the game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-Imagn Images
Dillon Brooks ejected, chaos ensues as Phoenix Suns lose to Lakers on Sunday
Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
