LeBron James was fouled hard after driving to the hole with the game on the line Sunday night. With only 19.9 seconds left in the fourth quarter and the Atlanta Hawks ahead 106-105, the four-time MVP went to the line to try and give the Los Angeles Lakers the lead. First free-throw…miss. Second free-throw…miss.

According to stats provided by Sports Illustrated’s Ben Goliver, LeBron James’ free-throw percentage this season has been declining as the game progresses.

These stats are horrifying for Lakers fans and the franchise itself as their prized free-agent acquisition has been wilting under the pressure when a game is on the line. LeBron James has missed crucial free throws before but his early season struggles at the line are alarming.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZoorn19l1g

Fortunately for L.A., second-year forward Kyle Kuzma was able to secure the offensive rebound and James was able to make up for the missed free throws with a putback dunk. The Lakers escaped with a narrow 107-106 win over the visiting Hawks after rookie Trey Young’s layup at the end was blocked by center Tyson Chandler.

The Lakers have not been performing well at the charity stripe as well. For the season, they are shooting a lowly 70.1 percent from the line, the fourth worst in the entire NBA. Against the Hawks, the Tinseltown boys made only 15 out of their 24 free throws for 62.5 percent.

If LeBron James wants to lead this team to greater heights, then he may have to start by making his free throws.