LeBron's prolific rate of playoff free throw attempts

[nickagneta]

From Sam Smith regarding LeBron favoritism calls:

http://www.nba.com/bulls/news/smith_090525.html?rss=true

Dwight Howard, who fouled out of Game 2 after an obvious missed foul call for James, who shot a stunning 24 free throws in Game 3, was asked after Sunday about the league and ESPN featuring Kobe and LeBron and said all they could do was try to win the game.

Yes, Howard fouled out for the third time in the playoffs and has been in foul trouble virtually all series against the Cavs. James, who was voted first team all-defense and was runner up to Howard in defensive player of the year, again is being called for the fewest fouls of any of the top players in the playoffs.

James, who is averaging almost 14 free throws per game in the playoffs and only just started to defend Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu after hiding early in the series on Rafer Alston, is averaging 1.6 fouls per game in the playoffs and never has been in foul trouble with a three fouls the most he’s been called for in any game.

It’s still hard to believe.

Bryant is averaging 2.6 fouls and has had four fouls four times. Carmelo Anthony is averaging 3.9 fouls per game and five times has had five and fouled out once. Howard is averaging more than four fouls per game and has fouled out of three playoff games and had five fouls three times. James is great. There’s no doubt. Better than Kobe, as Jerry West said? Better than Jordan eventually? as some suggest. Who knows. But just that someone is in the debate is remarkable. We’ve never seen a player like James, the amazing combination of power and skill. James’ dramatic game winner in Game 2 was an alltime great shot, in many ways better than Jordan’s series winner against the Cavs in 1989 because less time was remaining and it was a far longer shot.

It wasn’t a series clincher, so it was in some respects like the Bulls/Celtics playoffs this season. Perhaps the best series ever but hardly the most significant. Jordan’s shot was way more significant because of the circumstances. But you can’t be in the middle of everything as James is on a team that relies on one player like perhaps no other conference finals team ever—OK, maybe the 1989 Bulls—and be called for so few fouls.

I know. They said it was the same way with Jordan. He got every call.

OK, let’s go to the record book.

In that 1989 series against the Cavs when Jordan was last at his most one man gang, Jordan actually fouled out of Game 4 and averaged four fouls per game in that opening series against the Cavs. Five more times in those playoffs as the Bulls beat the Knicks in six and lost to the Pistons in six Jordan had five fouls in a game. It’s the playoffs. The play is rougher than the regular season. You get involved in tougher matchups, though James does rest on defense a lot other than when he is chasing guys from behind for highlight blocks. But Jordan always had a high number of playoff fouls. The season before when the Bulls beat Cleveland in five games, Jordan fouled out of Game 4 in Cleveland. In 1991 when the Bulls won their first championship, Jordan was in foul trouble with five in two of the five Finals games. It simply defies logic to see James at the free throw line so much and virtually never being called for a foul.

Now this is from an NBA expert of no less than Sam Smith, a man who repeatedly says he does not believe the NBA refs purposely give favorable calls to stars to appease the NBA and get better, future, more lucrative officiating assignments later in the year and playoffs, especially the Finals. But, he has at least given a credible motive for such a thing to happen and also goes into details, as I did, regrading LeBron's comparison to Michael and LeBron's lack of fouls called against him as he is considered a "great" NBA defender.

Smith sounds like his credibility in the integrity of the NBA and the officials is starting to be shaken. His article which I linked above is a great read and goes on about how the NBA is pushing this LeBron-Kobe dream match up with a documentary about the upcoming meeting of the two being released before the Finals teams are even decided. This does not help the perception of the NBA determining the outcomes of games and series and the more stuff like this occurs and the longer that "LeBron's Rules" exist, the more credence the NBA gives to everything Tim Donaghy said and implied about how they do things behind the scenes with the refs.

[cordobes]

I don't like to use stats for a case like this. Watching games is better. The argument that "if it's uncommon or unprecedent it must be rigged" is fallacious. I don't see LeBron getting a different treatment than most superstars. The % of possessions he uses driving to the lane is insane and he's very difficult to stop without fouling. He's extraordinary creating contact. Orlando doing everything to not give him easy baskets. And of course, with the current set of rules, perimeter players and dribble penetration create more fouls than post play.

So here is the video with all the meaningful defensive plays from LeBron in game 1 versus Atlanta.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kY2mWPClXgo

How many fouls have the refs missed? Let's start with this one, then we can proceed to the others.

[nickagneta]

I don't like to use stats for a case like this. Watching games is better. The argument that "if it's uncommon or unprecedent it must be rigged" is fallacious. I don't see LeBron getting a different treatment than most superstars. The % of possessions he uses driving to the lane is insane and he's very difficult to stop without fouling. He's extraordinary creating contact. Orlando doing everything to not give him easy baskets. And of course, with the current set of rules, perimeter players and dribble penetration create more fouls than post play.

So here is the video with all the meaningful defensive plays from LeBron in game 1 versus Atlanta.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kY2mWPClXgo

How many fouls have the refs missed? Let's start with this one, then we can proceed to the others.

While I can see, understand and respect the whole "show me video so I can judge for myself" attitude, I don't think that statistical circumstantial evidence in this matter is illogical in any way whatsoever. I think basketball is definitely a game where stats do not tell the whole story and see the game is always the best way to judge. But statistical evidence in basketball can build a case behind the scenes that can then be corroberated by video.

I think the stats I provided and logical conclusions that can be drawn from them actually do back up what video shows, and that is that LeBron is the recipient of innumerous calls and non-calls. We can agree to disagree with that but LeBron is not the only player in history that has been good at drawing contact and yet very few if any of those players had offensive fouls so seldom called on them or got a fantastic amount of late whistles after the ball decided to rim out and not go down. Also, players on the All-NBA defensive first team play great but they commit fouls in doing so. LeBron is down to 1.7 PFs/game and has had an even lower number for much of the playoffs, a time when defensive contact increases.

I just don't think that these are coincidences or illogical conclusions based on some random group of stats.

[youcanthandlethetruth113]

So this begs the question, is this proof that LeBron is getting clear preferential treatment from the refs and is something going to be done about it?

This is not even proof that the refs committed any kind of officiating mistake, let alone that they did it purposely to benefit James.

Any calls you feel that were truly misjudged?

How about D.Howard's 6th foul in game 3? Howard got ALL BALL on Lebron's 3-point attempt but still the ref's managed to give Lebron the call (sending him to the line for 3 FTA's).

[nickagneta]

So LeBron racked up 18 more FTs last night. Is there any doubt that as many as 7 of those FTs should never have been taken?

I will appauld this group of refs for actually having the balls to call 5 obvious fouls on LeBron. Most groups wouldn't go that far.

[cordobes]

So this begs the question, is this proof that LeBron is getting clear preferential treatment from the refs and is something going to be done about it?

This is not even proof that the refs committed any kind of officiating mistake, let alone that they did it purposely to benefit James.

Any calls you feel that were truly misjudged?

How about D.Howard's 6th foul in game 3? Howard got ALL BALL on Lebron's 3-point attempt but still the ref's managed to give Lebron the call (sending him to the line for 3 FTA's).

Read the entire thread, I've already written about that play. Of course referees make mistakes.

[cordobes]

I don't like to use stats for a case like this. Watching games is better. The argument that "if it's uncommon or unprecedent it must be rigged" is fallacious. I don't see LeBron getting a different treatment than most superstars. The % of possessions he uses driving to the lane is insane and he's very difficult to stop without fouling. He's extraordinary creating contact. Orlando doing everything to not give him easy baskets. And of course, with the current set of rules, perimeter players and dribble penetration create more fouls than post play.

So here is the video with all the meaningful defensive plays from LeBron in game 1 versus Atlanta.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kY2mWPClXgo

How many fouls have the refs missed? Let's start with this one, then we can proceed to the others.

While I can see, understand and respect the whole "show me video so I can judge for myself" attitude, I don't think that statistical circumstantial evidence in this matter is illogical in any way whatsoever. I think basketball is definitely a game where stats do not tell the whole story and see the game is always the best way to judge. But statistical evidence in basketball can build a case behind the scenes that can then be corroberated by video.

I think the stats I provided and logical conclusions that can be drawn from them actually do back up what video shows, and that is that LeBron is the recipient of innumerous calls and non-calls. We can agree to disagree with that but LeBron is not the only player in history that has been good at drawing contact and yet very few if any of those players had offensive fouls so seldom called on them or got a fantastic amount of late whistles after the ball decided to rim out and not go down. Also, players on the All-NBA defensive first team play great but they commit fouls in doing so. LeBron is down to 1.7 PFs/game and has had an even lower number for much of the playoffs, a time when defensive contact increases.

I just don't think that these are coincidences or illogical conclusions based on some random group of stats.

Of course those are illogical conclusions. The only logical conclusion you can achieve by checking stats is that:

- either Lebron draws fouls at a higher rate than anyone else on history because he's extremely good doing it or the refs treat him differently than other superstars.

Now, to say if it's the 1st or the 2nd case, you actually need to break film; stats are obviously not enough.

Anyway, you state that the video shows that Lebron James is the recipient of innumerous non-calls. I've already watched that video 4 or 5 times and, at most, I can see a single non-call that favoured LeBron - although, IMO, the refs could have gone either way.

So, it'd be very interesting if you could point out which non-calls are you talking about (the time the play appears in the video shall be enough).

[nickagneta]

I don't like to use stats for a case like this. Watching games is better. The argument that "if it's uncommon or unprecedent it must be rigged" is fallacious. I don't see LeBron getting a different treatment than most superstars. The % of possessions he uses driving to the lane is insane and he's very difficult to stop without fouling. He's extraordinary creating contact. Orlando doing everything to not give him easy baskets. And of course, with the current set of rules, perimeter players and dribble penetration create more fouls than post play.

So here is the video with all the meaningful defensive plays from LeBron in game 1 versus Atlanta.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kY2mWPClXgo

How many fouls have the refs missed? Let's start with this one, then we can proceed to the others.

While I can see, understand and respect the whole "show me video so I can judge for myself" attitude, I don't think that statistical circumstantial evidence in this matter is illogical in any way whatsoever. I think basketball is definitely a game where stats do not tell the whole story and see the game is always the best way to judge. But statistical evidence in basketball can build a case behind the scenes that can then be corroberated by video.

I think the stats I provided and logical conclusions that can be drawn from them actually do back up what video shows, and that is that LeBron is the recipient of innumerous calls and non-calls. We can agree to disagree with that but LeBron is not the only player in history that has been good at drawing contact and yet very few if any of those players had offensive fouls so seldom called on them or got a fantastic amount of late whistles after the ball decided to rim out and not go down. Also, players on the All-NBA defensive first team play great but they commit fouls in doing so. LeBron is down to 1.7 PFs/game and has had an even lower number for much of the playoffs, a time when defensive contact increases.

I just don't think that these are coincidences or illogical conclusions based on some random group of stats.

Of course those are illogical conclusions. The only logical conclusion you can achieve by checking stats is that:

- either Lebron draws fouls at a higher rate than anyone else on history because he's extremely good doing it or the refs treat him differently than other superstars.

Now, to say if it's the 1st or the 2nd case, you actually need to break film; stats are obviously not enough.

Anyway, you state that the video shows that Lebron James is the recipient of innumerous non-calls. I've already watched that video 4 or 5 times and, at most, I can see a single non-call that favoured LeBron - although, IMO, the refs could have gone either way.

So, it'd be very interesting if you could point out which non-calls are you talking about (the time the play appears in the video shall be enough).

Cor, I wasn't talking about that specific video.

What I meant was that video proof shows that game in and game out he is the recipient of tons of non calls and foul calls. Are you saying that after watching last night's game you didn't see at least three fouls where he shouldn't have gone to the line for or one or two others where he should have been called for a foul?

[cordobes]

Cor, I wasn't talking about that specific video.

What I meant was that video proof shows that game in and game out he is the recipient of tons of non calls and foul calls. Are you saying that after watching last night's game you didn't see at least three fouls where he shouldn't have gone to the line for or one or two others where he should have been called for a foul?

Okay, show us the video then.

Which are those 3 fouls? I watched the game at my lunch time, and I wasn't paying a lot of attention to it, but I can check those plays.

[nickagneta]

Can someone help me out here. How do I get a video of last night's game where I can attach certain plays to be seen here?

[cordobes]

Just give me the plays/minutes, I still have the game available in the league pass.

[nickagneta]

Without going back and watching the game to remember, I will give you two. LeBron's trip over his own feet and his elbow to Pietrus' head that both occured within the last couple of minutes of the game. LeBron should have gotten a minimum flagrant 1 on the elbow and he should never have been sent to the line for tripping over his own feet. When I find a video of the game I will bring back exact times and plays. Hell early on I remember at least two different plays in the game where LeBron went to the line on calls that were very ticky tack but that the Magic weren't getting on the other end while getting hammered. The first quarter was ridiculousl called in favor of the Cavs. There was no consistency whatsoever. Both teams came out agressive and physical but the Cavs and specifically lebron got calls whereas similar plays on the other end were ignored.

[angryguy77]

Without going back and watching the game to remember, I will give you two. LeBron's trip over his own feet and his elbow to Pietrus' head that both occured within the last couple of minutes of the game. LeBron should have gotten a minimum flagrant 1 on the elbow and he should never have been sent to the line for tripping over his own feet. When I find a video of the game I will bring back exact times and plays. Hell early on I remember at least two different plays in the game where LeBron went to the line on calls that were very ticky tack but that the Magic weren't getting on the other end while getting hammered. The first quarter was ridiculousl called in favor of the Cavs. There was no consistency whatsoever. Both teams came out agressive and physical but the Cavs and specifically lebron got calls whereas similar plays on the other end were ignored.

I agree, it was not called the same on both ends of the floor. I love how he elbos the guy(dont think it was intentional) and nothing happens, and we all know what was called on the same play the game before. I would think that should give credibility that for whatever reason, the refs looked the other way. I wont buy that it was missed either, they never miss anything involved with james. HE has eyes on him every second of the game.

[crownsy]

Without going back and watching the game to remember, I will give you two. LeBron's trip over his own feet and his elbow to Pietrus' head that both occured within the last couple of minutes of the game. LeBron should have gotten a minimum flagrant 1 on the elbow and he should never have been sent to the line for tripping over his own feet. When I find a video of the game I will bring back exact times and plays. Hell early on I remember at least two different plays in the game where LeBron went to the line on calls that were very ticky tack but that the Magic weren't getting on the other end while getting hammered. The first quarter was ridiculousl called in favor of the Cavs. There was no consistency whatsoever. Both teams came out agressive and physical but the Cavs and specifically lebron got calls whereas similar plays on the other end were ignored.

I agree, it was not called the same on both ends of the floor. I love how he elbos the guy(dont think it was intentional) and nothing happens, and we all know what was called on the same play the game before. I would think that should give credibility that for whatever reason, the refs looked the other way. I wont buy that it was missed either, they never miss anything involved with james. HE has eyes on him every second of the game.

why do you suppose they didn't call Howard for nearly knocking Z out in the second quarter with his incidental elbow to the chops under this theory?

one would think they would be looking for Howard to do that kind of stuff to rack up his fouls.

[nickagneta]

Without going back and watching the game to remember, I will give you two. LeBron's trip over his own feet and his elbow to Pietrus' head that both occured within the last couple of minutes of the game. LeBron should have gotten a minimum flagrant 1 on the elbow and he should never have been sent to the line for tripping over his own feet. When I find a video of the game I will bring back exact times and plays. Hell early on I remember at least two different plays in the game where LeBron went to the line on calls that were very ticky tack but that the Magic weren't getting on the other end while getting hammered. The first quarter was ridiculousl called in favor of the Cavs. There was no consistency whatsoever. Both teams came out agressive and physical but the Cavs and specifically lebron got calls whereas similar plays on the other end were ignored.

I agree, it was not called the same on both ends of the floor. I love how he elbos the guy(dont think it was intentional) and nothing happens, and we all know what was called on the same play the game before. I would think that should give credibility that for whatever reason, the refs looked the other way. I wont buy that it was missed either, they never miss anything involved with james. HE has eyes on him every second of the game.

why do you suppose they didn't call Howard for nearly knocking Z out in the second quarter with his incidental elbow to the chops under this theory?

one would think they would be looking for Howard to do that kind of stuff to rack up his fouls.

I am by no means saying that the refs are trying to predetermine game outcomes or anything like that, though I know you are saying I am. I just want to make that clear. I'm not a conspiracy theorist in regards to game outcome. I am more a believer in incompetence than I am Stern telling the refs what to do.

But I am a huge believer that the refs have players they look the other way for and who the give the benefit of the doubt to just about all the time. Michael Jordan received this partiality after his first 4-5 years in the league or so. Dwayne Wade definitely received this type of partiality during the Heat's run to a championship. Lebron get this treatment more than any other single player ever and I think it's a disgrace and I think it shows up in PFs called against him and the amount of times he goes to the line.