Only hours after LeBron James called his own game “garbage” after missing a pair of clutch free throws to seal the game against the Atlanta Hawks, the evidence is starting to mount up as James' woes at the charity stripe have now become a reason to worry. ESPN analyst Jalen Rose had a strong take on the Lakers forward's free-throw shooting and even suggested that teams should start fouling him on purpose, as James has been known to get in his own head when he struggles with his shot.
Do you agree with @JalenRose? pic.twitter.com/qnOrPKf5dK
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) November 12, 2018
Sports Illustrated senior writer Ben Golliver noted the decline in James' free-throw shooting percentage in clutch situations — numbers that rival what seems like a steady 73.6 percent on the season.
In games decided by five points or less, James is shooting 58 percent in the last five minutes of the game, 44 percent in the last minute and a disappointing 38 percent in the last 30 seconds of a game.
LeBron managed to save face with a timely put-back dunk to win the game after missing a pair of free throws that could have given the Lakers the lead late against the Hawks.
Ryen Russillo agreed with his colleague's take, knowing James is likely very aware of his free-throw struggles.
It’s a great point by @JalenRose on @GetUpESPN I’d consider fouling LeBron late. Once you start thinking about how bad you are at FTs, only makes it worse.
— Russillo (@ryenarussillo) November 12, 2018
LeBron James went through a similar struggle during the 2016-17 season, reportedly changing free-throw routines a whopping 18 times as he constantly tried to figure out a way to start making them. This could prove no different for a master overthinker like James, and opponents can start to plant the seed of doubt in his head as it germinates through a shaky start at the foul line when it counts the most.
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