Lonzo Ball has been scuffing shooting the ball during his rookie year for the Los Angeles Lakers after showing a sparkling 55 percent efficiency in his lone year at UCLA.

Thus far this season, the Lakers point guard has struggled to meet the very minimum standard for efficiency, shooting a horrid 35.7 percent from the floor, 31.5 percent from deep, and an alarming Shaq-like 46 percent from the free-throw line — the most alarming of all.

Putting his odd shot form aside, the low field goal percentages could always be attributed to an adjustment of pace, poor shot selection, or even lack of confidence — but 48 games are more than enough of a sample size to show that this is not a rookie season slump, but a player that has proved largely inefficient scoring the ball.

What brings even more of a reason for concern is his free-throw shooting, a point guard shooting not only below 65 percent, but under 50 percent — raising blood-red flags about his shot in general, as he's become utterly hesitant to get to the line — attempting 63 total free throws this season despite getting an average of 33.9 minutes per game.

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Lakers News
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) against the New York Knicks during the second half at Crypto.com Arena.
Lakers’ LeBron James back on the court after knee surgeryRichard Pereira ·
Nike Kobe 5 Year of the Mamba, Kobe Bryant, Nike, Nike Kobe 5
Nike Kobe 5 ‘Year of the Mamba’ updated lookDominik Zawartko ·
Myles Turner playing for the Pacers. Pacers logo in background
Ranking 3 best Myles Turner free-agency destinations if he leaves PacersBailey Bassett ·
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) looks on during the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers in game two of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center.
Thunder’s Alex Caruso clowns angry Lakers fans after throwing bubble shadeBenedetto Vitale ·
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, who was heckled by New York fans outside Fanatics Fest.
LeBron James savagely heckled by haters at Fanatics FestAndrew Korpan ·
Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) in the first quarter during game six of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
LeBron James’ NSFW reaction to Tyrese Haliburton’s brutal injuryDavid Yapkowitz ·

Yet the 6-foot-6 rookie plans to change his rituals at the free-throw line.

“Just slow down. I’m shooting them too fast,” said Ball, according to Kevin Ding of Lakers.com. “Take an extra dribble and breathe a little bit more. Mostly bend your knees, though, because I do shoot ‘em straight up. In the flow of the game, if you’re tired and you’re shooting ‘em straight up, that’s not going to come off good.”

If Ball can start correcting his free throws, it would be the start of the end of a series of woes that have plagued him this season, as it won't be long before teams start hacking him continuously and expose his poor acumen from the stripe.