Lakers Express Frustration Over Officiating "Inconsistency" Following Season-Low Free Throw Attempts In Loss To Suns

Photo: Instagram/LeBron James 

Los Angeles Lakers' woes continued as they faced a 123-113 defeat against the Phoenix Suns, marked by a season-low eight free throw attempts. 

Lakers head coach Darvin Ham voiced his concerns, citing officiating "inconsistency" as a growing challenge.

"I'm not one to use referees as an excuse," Ham stated. "But it's becoming increasingly tough because of the inconsistency. I'm seeing our guys get the same contact on them as we're supposedly committing. And the whistle is not being blown."

Photo: Instagram/LeBron James 

Despite ranking sixth in the league for free throw attempts per game at 24.3, the Lakers struggled to capitalize on the charity stripe, shooting just 77.2%. 

The team's reliance on an inside-out approach, emphasizing points in the paint and limited 3-point attempts, was evident in Sunday's clash.

Lakers star LeBron James weighed in on the situation, emphasizing the team's attacking style. "To have eight free throw attempts is definitely not us," James remarked. "I got hit a couple of times when I got to the paint tonight that wasn't called. But it is what it is."

The eight free throws marked not only a season-low but tied for the fewest since James joined the team in the 2018-19 season. 

The Lakers, known for frequent trips to the free-throw line, faced an unexpected challenge with officiating in this matchup. (SOURCE: CBS Sports)

READ NEXT: Chet Holmgren Makes NBA History In Thunder's Win Over Rockets

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