Why the free-throw line could decide the Bulls’ 2025-26 fate
In basketball, free throws do plenty of good. Nobody knows that better than Wilt Chamberlain, despite being a poor free-throw shooter, who was 28-for-32 in his historic 100-point game in 1962. Perhaps the second name that 
On Thursday, the Bulls were pretty decent from the foul line in their final preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. In the first half,
On the other side, the Timberwolves finished 9-for-18 (50%).
As a result, they finish the preseason with a record of 3-2 or 2-3. Now the Bulls will set their sights on preparing for the regular season. Their first game will be
Obviously, they are a young team starting from the bottom. For all their offensive potential, the one area where they need to improve is their free-throw shooting. Last season, the Bulls finished the year shooting 80.9% from the foul line. The leader in that category among the core players was Coby White at 90.2%. At the same time, they finished 29th in the league in free throw attempts per game with 19.7.
Plus, the Bulls finished 15th in the NBA in allowing 21.5 free throw attempts per game. Altogether, those numbers helped lead them down the path to a 39-43 record and once again falling short of the playoffs.
However, this year could be different if they feed off their performance against the Wolves.
Luckily, the Bulls got the personnel to deliver at the line.
The good news for the Bulls is that they got players of the caliber who aren't afraid to get to the line. On Thursday, the likes of
Altogether, Giddey went 4/6, finishing with 12 points, six rebounds, and four assists. Additionally, Jones was 2-for-4 at the line and came away with 8 points, five rebounds, and four assists. Then, there was the veteran Vucevic, who, along with a double-double, was 2-for-2 in free throws.
Phillips was a perfect 6-for-6 as he finished with 15 points. Then, Smith came away with 12 points and was also practically perfect in every way at the foul line at 4-f0r-4. It's also worth noting that Jones, Vucevic, and Smith each shot over 80% from the line last year.
To ensure he's not overlooked, leading scorer Matas Buzelis made one free throw as he led the way with 19 points. Even though he is out with a calf injury
Ultimately, there is a reason why free throws are considered the most fundamental of all fundamentals. It can win games and keep the game competitive. If the Bulls can muster up the same intensive focus they showed to close out the preseason, then it would be a sign that the little things can make a big difference.
LeBron, Bronny James, 3 More Out as Lakers Finish Preseason
The Los Angeles Lakers will have their final tune-up before the regular season when they face the Sacramento Kings on Friday night — a de facto dress rehearsal for JJ Redick’s new-look roster as they prepare for next week’s season opener.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, nearly the entire Lakers roster will be available except for LeBron James (sciatica), Bronny James (ankle), rookie Adou Thiero (knee), and training camp invitees Chris Mañon (ankle) and Augustus Marčiulionis (foot).
James, who turns 41 in December, will miss the start of the season and is expected to be sidelined for three to four weeks, according to
“The Lakers and LeBron are looking at around mid-November as a realistic debut for him,” Charania said on NBA Countdown before the Lakers’ loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. “A source told me [Wednesday night], LeBron will be taking a patient approach with his rehab.”
LeBron’s Absence Creates Early-Season Uncertainty
But while James is sidelined, his absence has left the team searching for rhythm after an uneven preseason.
“LeBron’s gonna be watching while he’s out,”
McMenamin’s remarks, combined with the Lakers’ 1-4 preseason record, have rekindled speculation about James’ future in Los Angeles, especially as he enters the final year of his $52.6 million expiring contract.
Trade Buzz Resurfaces Amid Injury and Uncertainty
According to Bovada, the Dallas Mavericks are the betting favorites to acquire James before the February 2026 NBA trade deadline, listed at -120 odds. Trailing far behind are the Cleveland Cavaliers (+350), Golden State Warriors (+450), and New York Knicks (+550). James’ former team, the Miami Heat, are tied with the Phoenix Suns at +900.
The Lakers have already shifted their long-term focus, handing Luka Dončić a three-year, $165 million extension this offseason to make him the franchise cornerstone for the future.
Dončić Era Takes Shape as Lakers Struggle for Rhythm
Los Angeles enters Friday’s finale with a 1-4 preseason record, with Dončić appearing in just one game after leading Slovenia to the EuroBasket quarterfinals. Friday’s matchup will mark only his second preseason outing ahead of next week’s season opener against the Warriors.
“This is his team now,” ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne said on Friday’s NBA Today. “Until LeBron comes back, he’s got the ball in his hand. The Lakers are his future, his present. They’ve got to step up collectively and learn how to play with Luka.”
Shelburne added that Dončić still needs time to build chemistry with Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia, and Marcus Smart, all key offseason additions aimed at giving the Lakers more versatility and toughness.
JJ Redick Plans for LeBron and Non-LeBron Lineups
With James sidelined, first-year head coach JJ Redick has been experimenting with rotations that prepare the team to play both with and without their veteran leader.
“Yeah, that’s something that’s certainly crossed my mind in the last couple of days,” Redick told reporters last week when asked about developing separate ‘LeBron’ and ‘non-LeBron’ units.
The Lakers’ preseason finale will offer a final look at those lineups — and perhaps a glimpse into how Los Angeles might look in a post-LeBron era.
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