WATCH: Ben Simmons attempts an actual 3 pointer and twitter goes crazy

Ben Simmons’ apprehension towards attempting 3 point shots is well known and well documented.

The 2016 draft’s top overall pick has avoided taking 3 pointers all his life. His ‘drive to the rim’ game has been his bread and butter all through and he hasn’t really looked to change despite the league shifting to a more 3 point shooting style.

The entire league knows how Simmons hates taking the 3 point shot, and LeBron actually tried taking advantage of it today in the game between the Lakers and the 76ers.

LeBron let Simmons have the ball on the 3 point line, staying way back, guarding the rim, as Simmons was more likely to drive in and finish.

LeBron playing the most disrespectful defense on Ben Simmons 😭 pic.twitter.com/IOKUAZ4Xz4

— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) February 10, 2019

Peep LeBron’s reaction after Ben Simmons made a jump shot in the Lakers / 76ers game 😂 pic.twitter.com/DwQTYBMxsk

— throughouttheassociation (@associationvibe) February 10, 2019

Ben Simmons started playing reckless and doing crazy things like shooting threes after this happened pic.twitter.com/QpPcDtw45B

— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) February 10, 2019

He did exactly that and LeBron was lauded for his defensive acumen, having already studied Simmons’ style of play.

Now, while LeBron was lauded for his defensive gamble, Simmons actually went ahead and attempted a 3 point shot, and it was not because the quarter was coming to an end.

At the start of the 3rd quarter, with the 76ers being 78-67 up, Ben Simmons actually pulled up at the 3 point line and took a 3 point shot, willingly.

The shot did not quite go in, but Simmons’ attempt was good enough to send Twitter in a frenzy.

Check out the video:

Ben Simmons attempts an actual 3 pointer! pic.twitter.com/xodIr5zo6u

— The Render (@TheRenderNBA) February 10, 2019

Ben Simmons just casually attempted a three….

Not a make, but, hey, he went for it! 👀 pic.twitter.com/g1NWrSUbWf

— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) February 10, 2019

BEN SIMMONS TOOK A LEGIT 3 OMG pic.twitter.com/wJtYlYeNBJ

— Drew Corrigan (@Dcorrigan50) February 10, 2019

Oh my God, Ben Simmons shot a three point shot… willingly. pic.twitter.com/qAlUEGLuXR

— Per Sources (@PerSources) February 10, 2019

LeBron “guarding” Ben Simmons is the most disrespectful defensive possession in basketball history. pic.twitter.com/xJ9fMulKTK

— Thomas Duffy (@TJDhoops) February 10, 2019

Simmons’ three point attempt has to be the highlight of a wonderful night for the 76ers, with the team brushing aside the Lakers challenge, winning the game 143-120.

LeBron James and the Lakers couldn’t get going against a powerful 76ers lineup, one that has been further bolstered by the trade to Tobias Harris.

Lakers next 5 games:

ATL
HOU (home)
NOP
MEM
NOP

Have to finish 5-0 or at worse 4-1.

— Legendary Lakers (@goldlakerss) February 10, 2019

Kuzma drops 39 points and LeBron (18p, 10r, 9a) finishes in triple-double territory, but it’s not enough in Philly. pic.twitter.com/tBtXoMHJN8

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 10, 2019

The Lakers currently have a 28-27 record and sit in 10th place in the Western conference. With no good enough reinforcements before the trade deadline, do you think the Lakers can make a good enough surge for a playoff berth during the second half of the season?