Just when things start clicking for the Los Angeles Lakers, the team begins to falter. The Lakers were on a roll, winning six games in a row prior to Thursday’s loss against the Orlando Magic. After the game, the team’s franchise star, LeBron James, came under heavy fire from analyst and known critic Skip Bayless.
Bayless took to X to call out LeBron James despite his decision to quit social media. In his criticism of James and the Lakers after their disappointing loss to the Magic, Skip Bayless pointed to the free throw woes that have plagued him throughout his career.
By his standards, LeBron remains a poor free throw shooter in Year 22. COME ON, LEBRON, PUT IN THE WORK!
Skip Bayless wrote on X
By his standards, LeBron remains a poor free throw shooter in Year 22. COME ON, LEBRON, PUT IN THE WORK!
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) November 22, 2024
Bayless’ criticism of LeBron James‘ free throw shooting woes came after a number of missed free throws by the Lakers allowed Magic guard Franz Wagner to nail a game-winning three-pointer. James finished the game with 4 free throw attempts, making just 2, including a crucial missed free throw down the stretch of the game. However, it was his co-star Anthony Davis’ end-game misses that eventually cost them the game.
LeBron James has had struggles shooting from the free-throw line throughout his career. He has shot a mere 73.2% for his career and an even lesser 72.8% this season. This season also marks the lowest free throw attempts James has averaged throughout his career at 5.4 a game. Although he started his career as a 75% shooter from the charity stripe, the leap towards excellency at the line never arrived for James.
NBA Insider reveals LeBron James’ retirement plans
Lebron James is entering Year 22 in the NBA, and despite Skip Bayless’ criticisms, he still remains one of the best players in the league and a candidate for the greatest ever. NBA fans have been accustomed to the idea of seeing James in the league for what feels like an eternity. However, ESPN’s Shams Charania revealed that the end of the line may be nearer than we’d expect.
While speaking to Stephen A. Smith, Charania revealed that LeBron James, who is fast approaching 40 years of age, may retire from the league as soon as late next season. This is contradictory to most fans’ belief of the Akron-born hooper playing for a few more years in the league.
So far this season, he has averaged 24.0 points, 9.3 assists and 8.3 rebounds in 15 games while shooting an impressive 51.2% from the field and a career-high 43% from downtown. He has once again proven that he still has a lot more left in the tank.
