LeBron James once again showcased his basketball IQ and clutch playmaking abilities, this time with an unconventional free-throw strategy. During a game, James intentionally missed a free throw, sparking reactions from fans and analysts alike.
Former NBA player JJ Redick, known for his sharp analysis, shared his thoughts on the play via Twitter, emphasizing the unusual nature of the intentional miss:
“Everybody that was on the floor, knew what was happening… It was an insane miss. I don’t think I’ve ever seen an intentional miss hit the bottom of the rim and go straight down.”
JJ Redick on LeBron’s intentional missed free throw:
“Everybody that was on the floor, knew what was happening… It was an insane miss. I don't think I've ever seen an intentional miss hit the bottom of the rim and go straight down.”
(h/t @LakersDailyCom) pic.twitter.com/TU9JUYfNrU
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 29, 2024
The Final Moments
With 7.2 seconds remaining in the game, the Lakers were trailing the Suns 107-104. LeBron James was fouled and made the first of two free throws. Instead of making the second free throw, James intentionally missed it, hoping to secure the rebound and give the Lakers a chance to tie the game. However, the miss was so errant that it hit the bottom of the rim and went straight down, allowing the Suns to secure the rebound and run out the clock.
JJ Redick’s Reaction
Redick defended LeBron’s decision, stating that the entire team was aware of the plan and that it was a calculated risk. He acknowledged that while the miss was unusual, it was part of the team’s strategy given the circumstances. Redick also noted that despite the loss, the Lakers are still 3-1 and looking like a more stable team than they have in recent years.
LeBron James’s Performance
LeBron James had a challenging night against the Suns, finishing with just 11 points on 3-14 shooting from the field. Despite his struggles, Redick emphasized that the team’s overall performance and execution were areas that needed improvement. He also mentioned that LeBron played through an illness, which may have contributed to his subpar performance.
ALSO READ: Angel Reese to Launch Signature Shoe with Reebok in 2026