The offensive identity of the Los Angeles Lakers is based on their ability to score free throws and pound the paint. There was obvious frustration on the part of LeBron James and Darvin Ham’s team throughout and after Sunday’s 123-113 loss to the Phoenix Suns due to their failure to draw any cheers.
The Lakers entered Sunday averaging 24.7 free throw attempts per game. They rank second in average paint points (55.9). Against Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and the Suns, the Lakers shot a season-low eight freebies (missing four), while Phoenix converted 18-of-19 from the charity stripe (total fouls: Lakers 14, Suns 12).