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Damian Jones made his season debut for the LA Lakers on Thursday against the LA Clippers. He played seven minutes in the Lakers' 103-97 loss to the Clippers. Jones had two points, one rebound and two assists, but NBA fans on Twitter went nuts when he tried shooting from behind the arc.
With under seven minutes left in the second quarter, Kendrick Nunn posted up Reggie Jackson. When Nunn couldn't get a clear shot, he passed the ball to Jones, who attempted a 3-point shot with 12 seconds left on the clock.
Jones missed the shot, with the ball going to the left side of the rim. It was an ill-advised shot, and fans made it known on Twitter.
Here are some reactions to Jones' 3-point attempt:
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Jones is in his second stint with the LA Lakers, playing eight games for the 17-time champs in the 2020-21 season. After spending last season with the Sacramento Kings, Jones decided to sign with the Lakers.
The 27-year-old big man shoots 30.8% from beyond the arc. He shot 34.5% from threes last season, but only made 10. Since entering the NBA in 2016, Jones has made 12 3-point shots.
Damian Jones has permission to shoot 3s
Despite negative reactions from fans, Damian Jones has the permission to shoot beyond the arc.
LA Lakers coach Darvin Ham told Jovan Buha of The Athletic in the preseason that he's comfortable with Jones spotting up from the 3-point area.
"There's some underneath out-of-bounds and some sets and some running habits that's going to allow him to be able to take that shot," Ham said. "And I have all the trust in the world in it. The way he's shot the ball since we've been working out and different shooting drills."
Ham continued:
"He's capable of making that shot, more than capable. I know, no disrespect to Robin, but if I have Robin Lopez making 3s, I'm sure I can get Damian Jones to make 3s."
Jones is comfortable taking 3-point shots and has shown improvement over the years. He has been practicing in the offseason and making them in practice. He won't be afraid to shoot from beyond the arc whenever he's open.
"If I'm open, and I'm in the corner, and they pass it to me, I'm shooting it," Jones said. "I'm comfortable shooting there. I've been getting a lot of reps in. Throughout the years, my percentages have been getting better as I'm shooting them. So, it's good."
Damian Jones career in retrospect
Damian Jones was the 30th overall pick by the Golden State Warriors in the 2016 NBA draft. He spent three seasons with the Warriors, winning the 2017 and 2018 championships before getting traded to the Atlanta Hawks in the 2019 offseason.
After a season in Atlanta, Jones signed a two-year deal with the Phoenix Suns in 2020. However, the Suns waived him less than a year into his deal.
He went on to sign 10-day deals with the LA Lakers and Sacramento Kings. He returned to Hollywood this summer after spending last season in Sacramento.
