JJ Redick Dismisses Narrative Around Lakers' Free Throws, Says Teams Foul on 'Every Possession'

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick is pushing back on the narrative that his team gets more calls and free-throw opportunities than other teams in the NBA.

Speaking to reporters after Friday's win over the Brooklyn Nets, Redick said the Lakers' free-throw advantage stems from them being fouled on "every possession" because of how opposing teams defend them.

The Lakers had a 42-15 advantage over the Nets in free-throw attempts. Their 26.9 attempts per game this season ranks second in the NBA, trailing only the Orlando Magic (27.0).

Opposing teams attempt 21.3 free-throws per game against the Lakers. The Charlotte Hornets (20.6) and San Antonio Spurs (21.0) are the only teams that have fewer free-throws taken against them.

There have certainly been criticisms of some calls that the Lakers get. The NBA even acknowledged in a last two minute report of their 127-125 win over the Denver Nuggets that a foul against Spencer Jones late in regulation that sent Austin Reaves to the free-throw line and helped the Lakers tie the game should not have been called.

The Lakers went on to win in overtime in a game that could have huge implications on Western Conference playoff seeding.

One reason the Lakers get to the line more than almost any other team in the NBA is because they have players who have perfected the art of drawing fouls. Luka Dončić's 10.1 free-throw attempts per game leads the league and is nearly one full attempt more than the No. 2 player (Deni Avdija: 9.2).

Austin Reaves has learned from Dončić in their time together as teammates. He is averaging a career-high 7.3 free-throw attempts this season, more than two full attempts per game from his previous high mark set in 2024-25 (5.0).

Despite the complaints from some players about foul-baiting tactics employed throughout the league, it's not going to stop if the refs let them do it.

A team like the Lakers has mastered the art of how to take advantage of the situation.