By most accounts, LeBron James is known as the brightest star in the basketball universe. However, even stars can use a little help shining sometimes.
Over the course of his illustrious 14-year career in the NBA, “The King,” as James is justly known, has racked up some of the most impressive statistics we have ever seen. James, a three-time champion and 13-time All-Star, holds career averages of 27.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 7.0 assists, and 1.6 steals in 38.9 minutes per game.
There is one part of the game that James has struggled with, however — his free-throws. In fact, James’ numbers from the charity stripe were a career-time low this season at 67%
Just as he did with Tristan Thompson earlier this season, Kyle Korver, one of the greatest marksman in history, is giving James free-throw lessons on the side.
Via Chris Fedor of cleveland.com:
“Myself and Kyle, we kind have been brainstorming about it, how to get it to be more efficient,” James said following Saturday’s Game 1 win against Indiana. “I mean, Kyle is probably one of the most efficient guys we have from the free throw line on our team. So, I’m a basketball mind, I’m open minded about trying to figure out ways that can help my efficiency so, it’s a good start.”
More Kyle "I don't want this to be a story..it's part of being a good teammate".."I've had a lot of trial and error, even shot left handed"
— Fred McLeod (@CavsFredMcLeod) April 17, 2017
James has taken free-throw notes from his teammates in the past. Ray Allen, another one of the greatest shooters of all-time, mentored him while he was with the Miami Heat. According to cleveland.com, James has used at least three different free-throw routines this season, including the newest one on Saturday. Instead of having his feet side-by-side at the line, James placed his left foot slightly further back. Keen-eyed Cavs fans may have also noticed that he kept the ball higher before releasing it.
“It’s a routine we’re going to stick with,” James said of his new free-throw routine.
The Cavs managed to come away with a one-point victory on Saturday against the Pacers (109-108). However, free-throws were a glaring issue throughout the game, not just for James, but for the entire team. Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue spoke to members of the media with regards to his team’s struggles at the stripe.
“I addressed it after the game,” coach Lue said. “We can play better and we will play better. We missed 13 free throws, turned the ball over, and got 19 points in transition. And just cleaned up a few things. The playoffs are about adjustments and what you can do better. Hats off to them, they played well. But we’ll be better.”