JJ Redick Defends Lakers' Free Throw Disparity

Lakers coach says opponents foul LA on 'every possession' to stop their physical play.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 3:34pm

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Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick has addressed the ongoing controversy over the team's high volume of free throw attempts, arguing that it stems from opponents' aggressive defense rather than favorable officiating. Redick claims that teams intentionally foul the Lakers on nearly every possession in an attempt to stop their physical, paint-oriented offense, leading to the substantial free throw differential between the Lakers and their opponents.

Why it matters

The Lakers' free throw disparity has been a source of frustration for rival fans and analysts for years, with many accusing the team of benefiting from biased officiating. Redick's comments push back against this narrative, suggesting that the Lakers' free throw advantage is a byproduct of their playing style and opponents' defensive tactics rather than preferential treatment from referees.

The details

In the Lakers' recent 116-99 win over the Brooklyn Nets, Redick addressed the free throw controversy, stating: 'You know, people say 'Lakers shoot a lot of FTs,' that's how teams guard us. They foul on every possession. That's another team that fouls every possession.' Redick argued that the Lakers' high-volume free throw attempts are a result of their physical, paint-oriented offense, which forces opponents to resort to fouling in an attempt to stop them. The Lakers have attempted 1,990 free throws this season, compared to 1,579 for their opponents, a substantial +411 differential.

  • The Lakers currently hold the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference with a 48-26 record.
  • Luka Doncic picked up his 16th technical foul of the season in the Lakers' latest game against the Nets, triggering a one-game suspension.

The players

JJ Redick

The head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, who has addressed the team's free throw disparity and pushed back against the narrative of favorable officiating.

LeBron James

A star player for the Lakers who in 2024 acknowledged the criticism over the team's high free throw attempts, arguing that it's a result of their aggressive, paint-oriented offense.

Luka Doncic

A player for the opposing team (the Brooklyn Nets) who picked up his 16th technical foul of the season in the latest game against the Lakers, triggering a one-game suspension.

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What they’re saying

“You know, people say 'Lakers shoot a lot of FTs,' that's how teams guard us. They foul on every possession. That's another team that fouls every possession.”

— JJ Redick, Head Coach, Los Angeles Lakers

“A lot of people, a lot of coaches, a lot of teams are like, 'That's all the Lakers do is get to the free throw line...It's like this narrative...We have attackers. Yeah, we shoot the ball from the perimeter, but we're not shooting 40 to 50 3s a game. We're not that team. We don't have the luxury of being that team. So, working it into the paint, that's what we're really good at.”

— LeBron James

What’s next

The Lakers will look to continue their strong season and secure a high playoff seed, while the league and fans will likely continue to debate the team's free throw disparity.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over the Lakers' free throw advantage, with coach JJ Redick arguing that it's a byproduct of their physical, paint-oriented offense and opponents' aggressive defensive tactics rather than favorable officiating. The controversy underscores the challenges of evaluating officiating and the need for nuanced discussions around team playing styles and strategic adjustments.