Bayless blames James for missing too many free throws

LeBron James has only himself to blame for being given a lack of free throws, according to Skip Bayless.

The bizarre reason given by Bayless is that the NBA superstar keeps missing his efforts from the free throw line.

James attempts a free throw against Phoenix


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James attempts a free throw against PhoenixCredit: Getty

James shows his frustration as the Lakers went down to a loss on Sunday
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James shows his frustration as the Lakers went down to a loss on SundayCredit: Reuters
James expressed his frustration with how the game was officiated after the Los Angeles Lakers lost 123-113 to the Phoenix Suns on Sunday.

“To have eight free throw attempts is definitely not us,” James said.

“I know, definitely, I got hit a couple times when I got to the paint tonight that wasn’t called. But it is what it is.”

Bayless doesn’t seem to have a lot of sympathy for 39-year-old superstar James however.

Speaking to Keyshawn Johnson on Undisputed, Bayless said, “I’ve told you that he deserves more calls than he gets. But his free throw shooting is still so pathetic.

“The narrative is that you’re right at your career average from the free throw line, and it’s pathetic.

“That’s why he doesn’t get calls. Because they’re saying, ‘You’re a lousy free throw shooter.’

“Do you know how terrible it is to shoot 73.5 per cent when you are the all-time leading scorer in the history of the league?

“He’s not even Michael Jordan at the free throw line because Michael shot 84 per cent.

“How do you not improve over 21 years? And that’s what’s happening. That’s why he doesn’t get calls.”

Johnson looked stunned at what seemingly amounts to a conspiracy theory from his co-host.

“I can’t believe that you really believe this,” he told Bayless.

The Lakers are now at 31-28 for the season, sitting ninth in the Western Conference.

Head coach Darvin Ham also expressed frustration with referees after Sunday’s loss.

“I’m not one to use referees as an excuse,” Ham said. “But it’s becoming increasingly tough because of the inconsistency.

“I’m seeing our guys get the same contact on them as we’re supposedly committing. And the whistle is not being blown.”