Kobe Bryant: Banning ‘Hack-a-Shaq’ would set ‘horrible example’

For the second time in a week, a prominent NBA superstar has spoken out about a possible restriction on the ‘Hack-a-Shaq’ strategy.

For the second time in a week, a prominent NBA superstar has spoken out about a possible restriction on the ‘Hack-a-Shaq’ strategy.

Three days after Cavaliers forward LeBron James said he doesn’t see a problem with intentionally fouling poor free-throw shooters, Lakers guard Kobe Bryant told reporters that banning the tactic would “set a horrible example for kids.”

“You can’t protect guys because they can’t shoot free throws,” Bryant said after the Lakers’ 89–87 loss to Indiana on Monday. “You’re getting paid a lot of money to make a damn free throw, dude. I think it sets a bad precedent. I wouldn’t change it.”

• Roundtable: What should the NBA do about the ‘Hack-a-Shaq’ strategy?

An increasing number of teams intentionally foul poor free-throw shooters—specifically Dwight Howard, DeAndre Jordan and Andre Drummond—to send them to the line. Commissioner Adam Silver recently told USA Today that rules were coming to put an end to the strategy. 

- Kenny Ducey