During Tuesday’s game against the Miami Heat, LeBron James was thrown out of a game for the first time in his 15-year career.
Following the contest, James shed more light on his frustrations that leaked onto the court by stating that he believes that the referees are trying to turn him into a jump shooter because of the lack of calls at the rim.
“I think I’m one of the league leaders in points in the paint,” said James. “I drive just as much as anybody. At this point, it’s like almost they’re trying to turn me into a jump shooter. And I’m not a jump shooter.”
“I watch games every single night, and I see jump shooters going to the line double-digit times every single night. And I’m not a jump shooter, and I get fouled just like everybody else do. So, you know, going to the line one time, three times, four times, that’s not what it’s about.”
Throughout his career, James has made a living of using his size to drive to the basket, often times through much contact from defenders. Given his stature, there are situations where no call is made because of that being the case, since his body is able to absorb more physicality than most.
James has a unique body frame standing at 6-foot-8 and 250 lbs that may not necessarily lend well to him at times when trying to draw fouls. This was one of these scenarios that it didn’t look like much contact in the manner in which he vented out his frustration.
What should be taken note is that James is shooting a career-low 5.4 free throws a game, which is nearly three attempts lower (8.2) than his career average. There is something quite different for him this year in his approach through the early goings of this season.
Ultimately, what may come about from this is James making it a point to drive to the rim to get contact over the next few games.