LeBron Vs. Redick - Who's Shooting The Tech?

In Sunday’s nail-biter between the Lakers and the Phoenix Suns, the drama wasn’t just on the scoreboard; it was at the free-throw line and during the post-game interviews. With 12 seconds left, Dillon Brooks picked up his second technical foul, giving Los Angeles a chance to tie the game after what looked like a guaranteed victory, leading by as many as 20 points in the fourth quarter. Normally, Luka Dončić is the Lakers’ designated technical free-throw shooter. But instead of Dončić stepping up, LeBron James walked to the line, leaving coach JJ Redick visibly puzzled.

Redick didn’t mince words afterward: “Luka should’ve taken that.” Statistically, he had a point. Dončić is hitting over 81% of his free throws this season, while LeBron is hovering around 62%. In a one-possession game, every shot and every percentage point matters. James, however, defended his decision with trademark confidence: “Why wouldn’t I?” For him, it wasn’t about numbers; it was about leadership, presence, and the moment.

The disagreement highlights potential tension between analytics and instinct, and between an upstart coach and one of the game's greatest players. Redick, a second-year coach known for his sharp basketball mind, leaned on the math. LeBron, a 23-year veteran, leaned on his gut. It’s the ultimate question: trust the data or trust the superstar?

In the end, James missed the free throw but redeemed himself with clutch makes moments later, sealing a 116–114 Lakers win. Still, the moment raises questions about how this new LeBron-Dončić-Redick dynamic will continue. Can a coach who is just over 100 games into his career rein in a legend who’s used to calling his own shots? Or will Redick cave to accommodate LeBron’s instincts and status within the league?

While this is likely nothing in the grand scheme of things, it may be something for fans to keep an eye on as the Lakers’ season may have just gotten a little more intriguing and dramatic.