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Los Angeles Lakers: Lonzo Ball looking to improve free throw shooting

By Nick Ziegler

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 19: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Indiana Pacers in the first half of a game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 19, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 19: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Indiana Pacers in the first half of a game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 19, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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While Lonzo Ball has had a very good rookie season for the Los Angeles Lakers, one of his weaknesses has been his free throw shooting. Recently, he talked about how he plans to improve it.

The Los Angeles Lakers have one of the best rookies in the NBA in point guard Lonzo Ball. Despite some worries about drafting him, the Lakers made the decision to make him one of their building blocks for the future, and that appears to have been a good move.

While Ball has missed some time this season due to injuries, he has had a strong rookie season overall. So far this season, Ball is averaging 10.1 points, 7.1 assists, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game.

Ball’s stats are very good for a rookie, as he has shown the ability to record triple-doubles with his well-balanced skill set. In addition to that, he also sets the pace very nicely for the Lakers. While getting the basketball up the court quickly doesn’t always result in assists for Ball, it sets up his teammates nicely for quick and easy baskets.

Even though Ball has done a lot of things good for the Lakers, he has had some struggles. One of those struggles has been his free throw shooting. For the season, Ball is shooting an awful 46 percent from the free throw line, which is unacceptable for a guard. Recently, Ball talked with Kevin Ding of Lakers.com about his struggles from the free throw line, and how he plans on improving. Here’s what he had to say.

"“Just slow down. I’m shooting them too fast. Take an extra dribble and breathe a little bit more. Mostly bend your knees, though, because I do shoot ‘em straight up. In the flow of the game, if you’re tired and you’re shooting ‘em straight up, that’s not going to come off good.”"

Even though Ball isn’t getting to the line a lot, he should be shooting at a much higher percentage than we have seen so far. In college, Ball shot 67.3 percent from the free throw line. While that number isn’t great, it is still much better than what we have seen so far with the Lakers.

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Seeing Ball being more aggressive when attacking the basket is something that many have wanted to see from him. Since free throw attempts haven’t come often for Ball, being more aggressive when attacking the basket could be a good way for him to get to the line and raise his percentage.

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