Taking issue with James’ lack of calls
ORLANDO, Fla. — The Lakers have presented a case to the NBA that their star, LeBron James, is not nearly getting his fair share of free throws even though they are positive the hardcharging forward is getting fouled plenty by the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference finals.
James shot just two free throws during the Game 3 defeat to the Nuggets on Tuesday night at AdventHealth Arena. And those two free throws came after Denver guard Jamal Murray was called for a flagrant foul for an elbow to James’ jaw.
James has shot 10 free throws total in the three games of the best-of-seven series that resumes Thursday night with Game 4 and the Lakers leading 2-1.
“We’re dealing with the fouls through the proper channels with the league,” coach Frank Vogel told reporters via videoconference Wednesday after practice. “I think he’s gone to the basket very aggressively, and I’ll just leave it at that.”
In 13 playoff games, James is averaging 6.6 free throws per game, making 72.1% of them. He’s averaging 25.9 points per game, 10 rebounds and 8.8 assists.
The Lakers have had their share of issues with the referees in this series against the Nuggets.
Dwight Howard has been called for two technical fouls, one each in Games 2 and 3, and Lakers assistant coach Phil Handy was called for a technical foul in Game 2.
Vogel was asked about his team’s composure considering the three technical fouls.
“I don’t have any comment publicly about it at this time,” Vogel said.
Vogel then was asked how the Lakers are handling the calls from the referees.
“Yeah, I mean, I think we’re exhibiting decent composure,” Vogel said. “I know we got the tech in Game 2, but yeah, we’re playing through it.”
Injury update
The Lakers have listed guards Danny Green and Alex Caruso as probable for Game 4 because of injuries, but Vogel said he “expects” both to play.
Green said he was playing after suffering a volar plate injury to his ring finger on his left hand.
Caruso was scheduled to have an MRI exam late Wednesday night because of a sore right wrist.