While Lonzo Ball’s 3-point shooting is often the focus of his shooting struggles, his struggles at the free throw line have seen even lower lows with fewer highs.
Through his first two seasons, Ball shot just 43.7% at the charity stripe. Last season, he improved to a 56.6% free throw shooter, still a well below-average mark. His struggles at the line have largely deterred him from attacking the rim as he attempted just 1.2 free throws per game through the first three seasons.
However, this season Ball has shot 73.9% at the line and, though he hasn’t increased his free throw attempts across the entire season, he has in recent weeks. Against the Bulls on Wednesday, Ball got to the line five times – just the sixth time in his career he’s attempted five free throws – and made all five of those attempts.
Following the game, Ball spoke about his improved free throw shooting and his comfort at the line.
“I know I can shoot the ball,” he said. “It should be pretty normal for me moving forward, I feel like. Free throws, me and (assistant coach) Fred (Vinson) put a lot of time in and I know I can make them. It’s just about getting to the line at this point.”
Tied to Ball’s confidence at the free throw line is his increased success in attacking the rim. Per Cleaning The Glass, while Ball isn’t attacking the rim at a higher rate this season over last, he is markedly better, shooting 62% at shots at the rim, up from 59% last season and 58% the year before.
It’s another sign of what has been another strong season from Ball in New Orleans as he continues building on his breakout performance last year with the Pelicans.
