Reaves’ ‘Impossible’ Missed FT Stuns Crowd, Teammates

In a moment that left fans and players alike bewildered, Austin Reaves executed a free throw miss so precise, it felt like a magic trick. The Lakers guard’s intentional misfire, intended to create a specific rebound opportunity, was described by teammate Cam Johnson as a “very sore subject” and “very difficult to achieve.” This wasn’t just any missed shot; it was a calculated play that unfolded under immense pressure, leaving everyone questioning how he pulled it off.

Johnson elaborated on the incredible skill involved, stating, “He did it perfectly.” The strategy was to aim for a miss off the left rim, hoping the ball would bounce to an area with fewer defenders. The goal was to give his team a better chance at securing the rebound and scoring. It’s like trying to hit a target with a dart, but instead of hitting the bullseye, you’re aiming for a very specific spot *next* to it. If you miss that spot even a little bit, the whole plan falls apart.

The play became even more remarkable because it was followed by a made floater. As Spencer was closing in, Reaves managed to make the shot *after* his intended miss. Johnson called this “insane execution,” adding, “it’s hard to do that.” He even challenged viewers at home to try it themselves: “get a ball out and and go try to miss that free throw, like run through that situation on your own. You’ll see how hard it is to have that precise of a miss into a made shot in a short time, pressure aside.”

A Low-Percentage Play Requiring Elite Talent

According to Johnson, this type of play has “a very low percentage of it coming through.” It requires “really high level guys that are that can execute things with a lot of talent to achieve.” This wasn’t a fluke; it was a display of advanced basketball IQ and skill under duress. The crowd at the game was electric, creating a lively atmosphere that Johnson compared to a playoff environment. “It was a good crowd. It was a really really lively LA crowd,” he recalled. “And again, man, I mean, I’ve played a lot of basketball games and I mean, that’s the type of stuff you live for.”

Despite the spectacular individual play, the Lakers ultimately fell short in the game. Johnson expressed his disappointment, saying, “I wish we came out with the win.” However, he remained focused on the future, emphasizing the need for the team to improve. “It’s on us now to to clean it up, finishing out the season, and and make a run,” he stated. This moment, while showcasing Reaves’ unique abilities, also highlights the team’s ongoing challenge to close out games and secure victories in high-stakes situations.

“It’s hard to do that. I challenge anybody who’s at home to get a ball out and and go try to miss that free throw, like run through that situation on your own. You’ll see how hard it is to have that precise of a miss into a made shot in a short time uh pressure aside.” – Cam Johnson

The play itself, often referred to as a “Zion miss” or a “Hack-a-Shaq” counter-strategy, is rarely attempted because of its difficulty and the risk involved. Missing a free throw intentionally is one thing; missing it in such a specific way that it sets up your own follow-up shot while a defender is closing in is another level entirely. It’s a testament to Reaves’ creativity and his ability to think quickly on his feet when the pressure is at its highest.

While the Lakers aim to make a late-season push, plays like this, executed by their star players, offer a glimpse into the potential they possess. The challenge now is to translate these moments of individual brilliance into consistent team success. The season is winding down, and every game carries significant weight as teams jockey for playoff positioning. Reaves’ unforgettable free throw miss serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and often astonishing nature of basketball, even when the outcome of the game isn’t what the team hoped for.

Source: "Very sore subject and that is very difficult to achieve" — Cam Johnson on Austin Reaves missed FT (YouTube)