Luka Doncic’s free throw shooting remains a glaring weakness that could hold the Los Angeles Lakers back. For a player who is an absolute master at drawing fouls and getting to the line, Doncic’s inability to consistently convert his free throws is a frustrating and costly issue.
Lakers need Doncic to improve his free-throw shooting
During a preparation game for EuroBasket between Slovenia and Germany, Doncic went just 6-for-13 from the free throw line. He shot it at a 46 percent clip, which is well below what the Lakers will need from their star.
That game marked Doncic’s first “competitive” action since signing his new Lakers contract extension and committing to an intense summer workout and body transformation. While it was not an NBA game, it still highlighted a problem that has followed him throughout his career.
Over his NBA journey, Doncic has averaged just over eight free throw attempts per game, showing his skill at drawing contact and putting pressure on defenses. However, his career free throw percentage sits at around 75 percent, and he has never managed to shoot 80 percent or higher over any season.
This inconsistency at the line is unusual for a player with such a refined offensive game and is something the Lakers simply cannot overlook. Free throws often fly under the radar, but they are crucial.
Missed freebies mean lost points and momentum, two things teams can’t afford in playoff battles. In close contests, every possession counts, and players who can reliably sink their free throws can be the difference-makers.
For a team like the Lakers, who are chasing an 18th championship banner, those small margins are massive. Doncic’s strength lies in his ability to create offense on multiple levels, driving to the rim, hitting tough shots, and setting up teammates. Failing to capitalize on free throw opportunities is a hole in an otherwise elite offensive game.
The good news? Doncic is without a doubt a competitor and a hard worker. His recent offseason transformation shows his commitment to becoming even better. The Lakers, having locked him in for the long term, have every reason to believe Doncic will be able to address this weakness.
Improving his free throw percentage, even by a small margin, would add vital points per game and reduce the chances of costly mistakes in crunch time. If Doncic can get more consistent at the line, it will make him even harder to guard.