NBA: LeBron criticizes own free throws: “garbage

LeBron James has been sharply self-critical of Atlanta Hawks in the final phase of the game following the repeated free-throw penalties. In view of Tyson Chandler’s Game Winning Block, the King was really in raptures.

“I’m playing garbage,” James became clear after the close 107:106 victory over the Atlanta Hawks: “I’m really miserable on the free-throw line right now.” Against the Hawks, LeBron hit only three of its seven attempts from the line, in the entire season so far 76 percent. That’s even above his career average, but in the final minutes the King’s nerves were already failing for the second time.

Against the Spurs, two rejected James free-throw shots cost the Lakers victory, against Atlanta, LeBron thanked Tyson Chandler for blocking a Trae Young floater just before the end to secure victory for Purple and Gold.

“We won. I’m still very happy about every single victory,” the center explained his emotional reaction after the block. It was only five days ago that the Lakers hired him, after he had forced a buyout from the Phoenix Suns. LeBron was also happy for his new teammate: “It’s nice for him to finally play real basketball again. I think that’s why his emotions came out.”

After winning against Atlanta, the Lakers have had seven wins and six losses this season for the first time. L.A.’s next opponent are the Portland Trail Blazers, who will be visiting the Staples Center on Wednesday.