LeBron James is one of the best players in the NBA today. Even in his 18th season, James continues to play at the highest level.
This year, James has been constantly delivering MVP-caliber performances and is leading the All-Star voting in the West. He has added a new dimension to his game with excellent three-point shooting. However, free throws still remain a weakness for LeBron.
Twitter goes crazy for LeBron Airball
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In the game against the Nuggets, LeBron James again approached the dreaded free-throw line. As mentioned earlier,LeBron has never been an excellent free-throw shooter.
But what he did came as a surprise to people. Attempting a free-throw, LeBron put up an airball, missing the rim entirely. Naturally, due to the nature of the miss and the stature of LeBron James, Twitter had a field day at his expense.
LeBron airball free throw. 😬 pic.twitter.com/wooGz43Vdl
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 5, 2021
I’ve never seen #LeBronJames air ball a free throw! Now that I can identify in his game.haha He’s human on the court after all. #DENvsLAL
— Brian Rose (@brianrosekc) February 5, 2021
LeBron James: Defeats the 72-win Warrior team in the Finals.
Also LeBron James: Air balls a free throw
— Bravo (@johnniebravoX) February 5, 2021
Air ball @KingJames 👀
— Aymeric A. (@AymAdia) February 5, 2021
How many is that this year 🤷🏼♂️ AIR BALL AIR BALL AIR BALL 😂🤣 @KingJames 🐐 @NBA @NBAonTNT pic.twitter.com/ChMlfqwZk2
— Todd Bryan (@mrtigergator) February 5, 2021
Still don’t understand how leBron James air balls free throws ??!! This is his second one I’ve seen this season. Wild
— DKatter (@dKatter_15) February 5, 2021
Lebron James just airballed a free throw. Air ball. Seriously.
— 11TimeChamps (@11TimeChamps) February 5, 2021
READ MORE: LeBron James Rookie Year: Accolades, Performances, Contract Details, and More
Apart from this embarrassing faux pas, LeBron has been excellent this season. Currently, he is averaging 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists per game.
James has been the catalyst for a strong showing by the Lakers, early in the season. The defending champions have looked fantastic, currently with a 16-6 record for the season.
LeBron James has never been great from the line
This was not the first time James had an embarrassing airball. In fact, this marks the second time James has put up an airball from the free-throw line.
The first came against the Dallas Mavericks this season, and he was even featured by NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal on his Shaqtin’ A Fool vignette on TNT.
James’ highest free-throw percentage across his career is a meager 78%. Furthermore, James has only shot 73% from the free-throw line in his career.
That is less than 3 free throws made for every four that get awarded to him. But it is a true testament to James that he has been successful without a good free-throw in him.
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This season, James has been mediocre from the free-throw line, only making 71% of his free throws. However, James has continued to allow other players to reach the free-throw line to compensate for his poor shooting.
James’ improvement on the shooting end should indicate an improvement from the line. But we are yet to see that improvement any time soon.
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READ MORE: The Hardcore Workout Routine of LeBron James: Here is How the King Takes Care of His Body
Will the King prove his doubters wrong? That remains to be seen.