In great difficulty in defense in Phoenix, the Lakers mainly talked about the refereeing after the defeat against the Suns. With one number in mind: eight. Like the number of free throws attempted, the lowest total of the season, and far from the average for Los Angeles this season (25 per game).
Opposite, Kevin Durant his teammates made 19 passes at the free throw line. “I'm not one of those who uses referees as an excuse, but it gets complicated with this inconsistency. I see my players having the same contacts as them without having the whistle blown”, regrets Darvin Ham.
The Los Angeles coach continues his grievances. “We try to win this free throw battle every game. It's complicated: I tell my players to penetrate, to go into the racket, and we don't have any mistakes. I see the defenders' hands on my players' hips, trying to block shots without touching the ball but the body. And it's not whistled. We have to find a way so that it's not a problem, but it's frustrating, this inconsistency. »
Clumsy from afar, the Lakers can't do without free throws
This is not the first time that the Lakers have complained about refereeing. We remember their anger at the start of the season, after a setback in Miami. This time, it's the fact of not shooting a single free throw in the entire second half that frustrates them.
“A lot of people, coaches, teams think that the Lakers only do that, go for free throws. It's the little music we hear”, comments LeBron James, who recovered four free throws. “We’re aggressive, that’s how we are. Yes, we shoot from afar but we don't attempt 40 or 50 winning shots per match. We're not that kind of team, we don't have that luxury. We are good at hitting the racket. Having only eight free throws, that's not us. I was hit several times in the racket without making a mistake. But that's how it is. »
Same analysis at Anthony Davis. “We live to go for free throws, we attack the basket. It’s our identity, our DNA,” insists the inside. “Especially given our difficulties at 3-point, where we are irregular, so we survive by going in the paint and with free throws. I don't know if it was the referees who missed the fouls or if it was the Suns who weren't making any. I feel like I've been hit multiple times. »
However, Anthony Davis does not make it the reason for the Lakers' defeat in Arizona. “Foul or not, whistled or not, we must ensure the defensive withdrawal because on the other side it runs,” he assures. “We don't want to be put in difficulty and that happened several times in this match. The teams will set the pace and, most of the time, will make us pay for it. »
