Lakers News: Steve Kerr Rails Against Refs For FT Disparity Vs LA

The Los Angeles Lakers escaped with a win against their division rivals, the Golden State Warriors, in double overtime, 145-144. The purple and gold played in possibly the best game of the season, in which they needed all they could get from their star players and more.

It was a back-and-forth contest between these two middle-of-the-pack teams, but luckily, the purple and gold came out on top. Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr wasn't pleased with the loss and was more concerned with the free throw disparity.

After the game, Kerr spoke to the media and was visibly frustrated with the Laker's 43 free throw attempts to the Warriors' 16 attempts.

Steve Kerr: “I’m not going to comment on their 43 free throws to our 16. I’m not going to comment on Steph shooting three free throws in 43 minutes.” pic.twitter.com/C2iGHDkUsE
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 28, 2024

The Lakers knocked down 38 of the 43, while the Warriors hit 11 of the 16. It was a huge disparity between these two teams, and although Kerr and others are upset, let's look at some facts.

The Warriors attempted 58 three-point shots; yes, they attempted. This is in comparison to the Lakers, who attempted 27 three-point shots. Teams have a better shot at getting to the free-throw line when they go to the basket and attempt shots inside the paint, as the Lakers do.

Los Angeles is the more physical team, and when you have players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, they are heading to the paint more often than not. Players like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and most of the other Warrior players don't do most of their work inside the paint.

Lastly, the Lakers lead the league in free-throw margin. Los Angeles is plus +705 from free throws since the start of last season. At the same time, the Warriors are last in free-throw margin dating back to last season at -497.

That is a huge gap, but it goes back to play styles. Between these two teams, the Lakers are the more imposing team in the paint, resulting in their free throw attempts.