After the Los Angeles Lakers’ heartbreaking 110-109 loss to the Orlando Magic, both LeBron James and Luka Doncic spoke candidly about the final play that decided the game. The possession, originally drawn up for Doncic, ended in a scramble and ultimately a missed shot by James at the buzzer, a sequence that immediately sparked discussion across NBA media.
James, asked about the play, acknowledged he wasn’t in an ideal position but believed Doncic had a good look before the ball changed hands.
“Obviously, you have to ask Luka what he saw on that. I thought he had a good look… I was kind of off balance when he gave it to me. I thought he had a great look,” he said, defending his teammate’s decision and emphasizing that the look was strong before the miscommunication occurred.
Luka takes responsibility for the final play
What followed was an example of accountability from Doncic himself. The Lakers’ star admitted that he should have acted differently in that moment even with time ticking down.
“I knew I was open, but I just thought I was a little bit far,” Luka explained. “I probably shouldn’t have picked up the ball and just tried to attack. … That’s on me.” His self assessment reflects a young leader willing to own his mistakes, even in tough situations.
The miscommunication has drawn attention not only for its effect on the game, a defeat that snapped a Lakers streak when leading after three quarters but also for the way both players handled it publicly. James reiterated his belief in Doncic’s shot opportunity, while Luka didn’t shy away from taking responsibility for the pass and finish, even explaining that his hesitation was partly due to his perception of time and confidence in the moment.
This exchange highlights a key theme as the Lakers navigate their season: balancing the dynamic between a future Hall of Famer and a superstar in his prime, particularly in high-pressure situations. The final possession may not have ended in the result the Lakers hoped for, but the postgame responses from both James and Doncic showed professionalism and leadership under pressure.
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