Even without Dwight Howard, Lakers struggling at the free throw line

Lakers guard Xavier Henry shoots over Dallas Mavericks center Dirk Nowitzki during the Lakers' 123-104 loss Tuesday.

By Eric Pincus

Nov. 11, 2013 2:56 PM PT

With the departure of Dwight Howard, the Lakers’ free throw shooting percentage as a team presumably would climb.

Last season Howard shot just 49.2% from the line, leading the team with 721 attempts. The Lakers as a team shot 69.2% collectively.

The recent results through eight games for the Lakers haven’t shown much improvement. The Lakers (3-5) are currently 24th in the league at 69.9% from the line.

“[They’re] just not making them, just struggling,” said Coach Mike D’Antoni on Monday after practice. “I think Jordan Hill last year shot great and this year he missed, up until he made the last one, he missed nine in a row.”

Hill shot a reasonable 65.6% from the line last season. So far he’s hit just 35.3% through eight games.

Xavier Henry leads the team with 41 attempts, but he’s struggled to make just 53.7% from the line.

“From the foul line, layups, mid-range -- he’s just having trouble shooting,” said D’Antoni of Henry’s recent slump. “They’ve just got to get their confidence. They’ve got to just settle down, don’t panic. [Henry] will be fine.”

It’s not all bad for the Lakers at the line. Eight players have shot free throws at a clip of 75% or better -- led by Steve Nash at 91.7%.

ALSO:

Lakers’ Week 2 in review

Lakers: Week 3 predictions

Mitch Kupchak doesn’t expect Kobe Bryant to return in next two weeks

Email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.