The Los Angeles Lakers improved their 2026-27 NBA record to 3-0 after a 132-123 victory over the Utah Jazz on Sunday.

Luka Dončić captured headlines, dropping 52 points in the win, but NBA fans were similarly focused on Jazz commentator Thurl Bailey calling out Austin Reaves for complaining about foul calls.

NBA World Reacts to Thurl Bailey’s Comments on Austin Reaves

Bailey played 12 seasons in the NBA, spending 10 of those with the Jazz. He made the 1983-84 All-Rookie team and averaged 12.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.2 blocks for his career.

The Lakers led 88-85 with 6:42 left in the third quarter last night. After Dončić missed a left-wing three, Utah’s Jaren Jackson Jr. grabbed the rebound, but Reaves tried to slap the ball out of his hands.

Instead, officials saw the Lakers guard wrap up Jackson from behind, which sent him to the floor. Reaves immediately threw his hands up in confusion over his fourth foul.

Bailey disagreed with Reaves and thought the foul was obvious. “I don’t know why Austin Reaves is complaining after every call, every foul. That is definitely a foul,” said Bailey on the broadcast.

Bailey’s comments sparked a debate on X, formerly known as Twitter, concerning Reaves’ complaining to officials. Some fans thought the Jazz commentator’s comments were warranted, while others did not.

One user wrote they were not a fan of Bailey or Utah play-by-play announcer Craig Bolerjack. The account felt they do not call a balanced game. “The Jazz commentators are [expletive] I live in Utah, and they’re unbearable,” the account replied.

Another fan felt Bailey was correct to point out Reaves’ complaining. “Is [Bailey] wrong??????????? The whole Lakers team was throwing their bodies to the floor and crying to the refs every second they could!!!!!! It’s absolutely ridiculous!!!!” the account tweeted.

Reaves finished his night with 29 points, 4 assists, 1 rebound, 1 steal, and 2 blocks. He shot 11-for-13 from the free-throw line, which only fueled people’s arguments against him even more.

@ExUtahSports called out the entire Los Angeles team and liked that Bailey spoke up. “Good! Lakers are whiny bonus babies,” the account posted.

Another pointed out that Bailey does not typically “complain” on his broadcasts but sided with his stance on Reaves. “Thurl rarely complains, so when he does, you know it’s bad,” the account replied.

One fan was shocked that Bailey called out the 28-year-old guard in such a blunt manner. “The commentator called out Austin Reaves for complaining after every foul call,” the account wrote.

Reaves and the Lakers had the last laugh, taking home the win. Utah and Los Angeles are set for a rematch at Crypto.com Arena on Nov. 18. It will be interesting to see how both fanbases interact after Bailey’s controversial comments.