Here Is Why LeBron James Intentionally Missed Second Free Throw With 6.4 Seconds Left Against Suns
In a bold strategy, LeBron James and JJ Redick opted for an intentional miss to regain possession against the Suns.
In a nail-biting finish against the Phoenix Suns, LeBron James made a calculated decision to intentionally miss his second free throw with 6.4 seconds left in the game. The Los Angeles Lakers were trailing by two points, and while a successful free throw would have brought them within one point, it wasn’t the ideal scenario for securing a shot at winning or tying the game.
This strategic decision came from a collaboration between James and Lakers head coach JJ Redick, both understanding that a missed free throw might offer a better chance of regaining possession for a shot attempt.
To break down the strategy, the Lakers were out of timeouts with only 6.4 seconds remaining on the clock. LeBron’s first free throw had brought the Lakers to within three points, making it 107-105 in favor of the Suns. Hitting the second free throw would have cut the deficit to one, but it would have left the Lakers in a precarious situation.
Without a timeout, they would need to foul a Suns player immediately after the Suns inbounded the ball. Assuming the Suns player made at least one of their two free throws, the Lakers would then be forced to attempt a desperate play from their end of the court with only a few seconds left.
