Image Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

LeBron James ‘not so’ Clutch player for Lakers according to a wild stat

LeBron James has the worst field-goal percentage in all of the NBA when shooting in the final five-seconds (3.4%) of the game.

Image Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

LeBron James missed two game-tying three-pointers as the Los Angeles Lakers succumb to a disappointing loss against the Charlotte Hornets. A graphic circulated after the game which criticized LeBron’s game finishing abilities and surprised the majority of fans.

Since joining the Lakers, James has shot 1-29 on game tying/go-ahead field goal attempts in the final five seconds of the game, via ESPN. The number was unbelievable and everybody doubted whether it was a “NBACentel” tweet.

Wow.

(Via @GetUpESPN ) pic.twitter.com/EiZnMN5lVD
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 20, 2025

According to stathead, since 2018-19, LeBron James has attempted the fifth-most shots (29) in the last five-seconds of the game. However, James has the worst field-goal percentage in all of the NBA when shooting in the final five-seconds (3.4%) of the game.

A video shared by a twitter user of LeBron James missing some important shots also include some of the 1-29 missed shots.

Anytime it’s the clutch you know it’s a brick if you’ve watched Lakers past few years pic.twitter.com/z3UEkOOUSw
— ᴅ ʀ ᴇ ᴡ (@FeelLikeDrew) February 20, 2025

Compared to players like Stephen Curry (42.1%), Jayson Tatum (30.00%) and Nikola Jokic (33.3%), James is “NOT so Clutch”. His Lakers teammate, Luka Doncic is shooting 6/26 which is 23.1%. It remains to be seen who will have the final shot between James and Doncic to close out the game.

One of the biggest surprise of the list was D’Angelo Russell, who the Lakers traded to the Brooklyn Nets in the 2025 trade window. He has the best field-goal percentage (42.9) among the players who have attempted 10 or more field-goals in the final five-seconds. He is followed closely by Stephen Curry and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who shoots 40.0%.

Charlotte Hornets targeted Luka Doncic on defense

The Hornets figured out the Lakers weakness on defense and it was Luka Doncic. Multiple times in the clutch time, Doncic was targeted on pick-n-roll which caused the Lakers defense to collapse.

Hornets offense in the clutch was basically “go find Luka” and it worked.

Teams are going to do this often. Lakers just don’t have the defensive infrastructure to insulate him like the Mavs did. https://t.co/TJaYJRKiqd pic.twitter.com/O1VSiF0NBD
— Esfandiar Baraheni (@JustEsBaraheni) February 20, 2025

This defensive issues were hidden with the Dallas Mavericks due to a strong defensive frontcourt. However, the Lakers face serious issues on defense without Anthony Davis present to guard the best player.