LeBron James talks about the mistake after Dillon Brooks was ejected
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James maybe he had the last laugh against the Phoenix Suns after winning Sunday, 116-114, but things could have easily gone south.
The Suns took a 114-113 lead with just 12.2 seconds left after Dillon Brooks hit a 3-pointer. He was, however, called for a technical foul after hitting James. Brooks was ejected after he committed another technical foul.
James took it upon himself to make the technical free throw. However, he missed. But the four-time MVP recovered, making two of three free throws after being fouled by Devin Booker on a three-point attempt with just three ticks left.
Some wondered why the 40-year-old striker stepped on the line instead of Luka Doncic at a crucial moment. Before that, he already missed four free throws, while Doncic missed only one of his 14 attempts. But James claimed it shouldn’t be a problem.
“S***, I just got to the free throw line. Why wouldn’t I? And I was fine with Luke taking it, we were both in pressure situations. I just took it. Unfortunately, I missed, but I made up for it,” James explained after the game.
“Shit, I just got to the free throw line. Why shouldn’t I… I was fine with Luka (Doncic) taking it too… Unfortunately, I missed, but I made up for it.”
LeBron James making a technical free throw 👀pic.twitter.com/Ppaok2sftV
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 15, 2025
James also made a game-saving block against Grayson Allen as time expired.
Lakers coach JJ Redick admitted that Doncic should have made a technical free throw, saying he didn’t see James go to the charity stripe.
Regardless, what matters is that they secured the win and improved to 18-7, including 11-3 on the road. They avenged a loss to the Suns earlier this month.
James, who had a heated exchange with the referee in the third quarter after an argument with Brooks had 26 points, three rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. He also had a season-high eight turnovers.
2025-12-15 06:57:00
