Magic stun Lakers as Doncic and James combine to botch final play
The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a dramatic 110-109 defeat by the Orlando Magic after Luka Doncic and LeBron James failed to execute on the final possession.
Orlando took a one-point lead with just 6.7 seconds remaining following a putback from center Wendell Carter Jr.
James found Doncic in space on the left wing following a timeout, but the guard declined the open three-pointer.
Instead of shooting, the Slovenian attempted to drive and was immediately double-teamed by the Magic defence.
Doncic was forced to pivot and return the ball to James, who missed an off-balance 27-foot effort as the buzzer sounded.
‘That is on me’
The disjointed final play capped a frustrating night for the Lakers, who had earlier surrendered a 12-point second-half lead.
Doncic, who struggled from the field shooting just 8-for-24, admitted he misjudged the situation.
“I know I was open, but I just thought I was a little bit far,” said Doncic.
“I tried to take one dribble closer and I probably shouldn’t have picked up the ball and just tried to attack.”
When asked if he realised the clock situation, the former Dallas star acknowledged his hesitation proved costly.
“I think I thought it was more time,” he added.
“It was enough time to get a better look, try to drive the ball, so that’s why I picked [up my dribble]. That’s on me.”
James offers support despite defeat
James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, was left to take a desperate fadeaway shot after the play broke down.
Despite the confusion, the 39-year-old believed his team-mate initially had the opportunity to win the game.
“I thought he had a good look, and it looked like he kind of just lost his balance,” said James.
“I didn’t have a rhythm with the ball, whatever the case may be. And it kind of allowed [Orlando’s defense] to get back in front of him.”
The loss marks a significant statistical shift for Los Angeles.
It is the first time this season the franchise has lost when leading after three quarters, ending a 25-0 run in such scenarios.
The result leaves the Lakers with a 4-4 record on their eight-game homestand.
They now face a challenging road trip, beginning with the Phoenix Suns on Thursday followed by a visit to the Golden State Warriors.