Pelicans Coach Sends Subtle Jab at Lakers Free Throw Shooting

New Orleans Pelicans coach Willie Green sent a subtle jab to the Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) and forward LeBron James (23) walks to the bench during the first half against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

For the past two seasons, the Los Angeles Lakers have been among the league leaders in free throw attempts a game. This season remains no different, as they're first in the NBA in free throw attempts per game. It's become a recurring conversation among any opposing coach facing the team.

Prior to the New Orleans Pelicans facing off against the Lakers tonight, Pelicans coach Willie Green was asked about the Lakers' excessive free throw shooting. Green responded with a subtle jab toward LA.

"Why is that? Why are they shooting more," Green questioned. "I want y'all to answer that question for me."

Q: The Lakers seemingly always shoot more free throws than any other team. They're leading the league again in free throws...

Willie Green: Why is that? Why are they shooting more? I want y'all to answer that question for me pic.twitter.com/V0A4cfSLsU

— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) November 16, 2024

Through 12 games this season, the Los Angeles Lakers lead the NBA in free throw attempts a game with 27.1 attempts. This isn't the first time a coach has mentioned the Lakers' free throw shooting as a controversial subject.

Just last season, the Toronto Raptors were furious at the free throw discrepancy they had against the Lakers. In the fourth quarter alone, the Raptors shot two free throws, while the Lakers shot 23.

Darko Rajakovic was outraged at the free throw disparity during Raptors-Lakers:

"This is shame. Shame for the referees, shame for the league to allow this. 23 free throws for them, and we get 2 free throws in the 4th quarter?" pic.twitter.com/9gjifHav8W

— Dime (@DimeUPROXX) January 10, 2024

Two seasons ago, the Toronto Raptors had the exact same situation occur as Fred VanVleet blasted NBA referees for allowing the Lakers to shoot an excess of free throws. It's worth noting that the Lakers have remained atop the NBA's free-throw shooters since the 2022-23 NBA season.

Fred VanVleet went OFF on referee Ben Taylor and NBA reffing in general in his post-game after the Raptors loss. Haven't heard anything like this. pic.twitter.com/VcMkGTh0k3

— Faizal Khamisa (@FaizalKhamisa) March 9, 2023

The Los Angeles Lakers somehow always become the center of conversation no matter who they face. However, it's not like they always win games solely because of their free throw shooting.

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