NBA acknowledges error, Roy Hibbert foul in Lakers’ loss to Mavericks

In its “Last Two Minute Report” on Saturday, the NBA acknowledged that Lakers center Roy Hibbert did not foul Dallas Mavericks center Zaza Pachulia in a crucial play with 45.8 seconds left in the fourth quarter of Friday’s game.

The Mavericks held an 86-82 lead with just over a minute left. The Lakers were looking to make a stop, but Hibbert was called for his sixth foul incorrectly, knocking him out of the game.

Pachulia hit one of two free throws. Kobe Bryant rushed a three-point attempt on the next possession. Metta World Peace was able to steal the rebound from Pachulia, but he too missed a shot behind the arc and Dallas pulled away in the final seconds, winning 90-82.

Had Hibbert not fouled out, perhaps the Lakers would have scored on the ensuing possession, with a chance to win.

The report also detailed an incorrect call with 1:53 left on the clock, an out-of-bounds play that was awarded to the Lakers, though in retrospect, the ball was off Bryant.

The Lakers scored on the next play, a jump shot from Hibbert, perhaps evening out the later, incorrect call on the team’s center.

The NBA issues daily reports assessing all calls, and non-calls, over the final two minutes of a game, provided the teams are within five points of each other at the two-minute mark.

With a 1-8 record to the start the season, the Lakers have had a difficult time closing out games successfully. They’ll play again on Sunday night at Staples Center against the Detroit Pistons (5-4).

Email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus