He has the right to go for the ball, but he doesn’t have the right to go for the ball through the attacker.
It’s jot a foul if the attack simply throws himself in front of the defenders kick, but if the attacker is trying to legitimately gain position then it would be a foul.
Personally I think Lamelas actions are more about trying to box out a defender so he can have a shot at goal when the ball lands, but I completely understand the other side of it.
Either way, that difference is when VAR wouldn’t be relevant to this case. It’s a judgement call, which is exactly what VAR *isn't* supposed to flag.
If you want video review of judgement calls, sure, but that’s not what VAR is designed to be this far in England.