Luka Doncic opted to pass rather than shooting in the final seconds of the LA Lakers’ loss to Orlando Magic
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Doncic and James had a misunderstanding in a crucial moment at the end of Tuesday's gameopen image in gallery
Doncic and James had a misunderstanding in a crucial moment at the end of Tuesday's game (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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In a dramatic conclusion to Tuesday night's NBA fixture, Luka Doncic, the league's leading scorer, opted to pass rather than take a potential game-winning shot for the Los Angeles Lakers against Orlando Magic.
The unexpected decision, which saw the Slovenian star dish the ball to LeBron James in the dying seconds, ultimately contributed to the Lakers' agonizing 110-109 defeat.
The final play unfolded precisely as coach JJ Redick had orchestrated. With 6.7 seconds remaining, James inbounded the ball, and Doncic executed a screen, emerging wide open just behind the three-point line.
Typically, Doncic rarely hesitates to shoot from such a position when afforded space.
However, on this critical occasion, he inexplicably paused, double-pumped, and then bounce-passed to a surprised James, who was by then under defensive pressure.
Luka Doncic passed to LeBron James rather than shooting himself in the final seconds of the gameopen image in gallery
Luka Doncic passed to LeBron James rather than shooting himself in the final seconds of the game (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
"I know I was open, but I just thought I was a little bit far," Doncic later explained. "Tried to take one dribble to get a little closer. Probably shouldn’t have picked up the ball, just tried to attack."
James, receiving the ball off-balance, was forced into a desperate fallaway three-point attempt that fell well short of the basket. The loss concluded a disappointing 4-4 homestand for the Lakers, during which they failed to demonstrate the form of an NBA title contender.
The Lakers' aspirations hinge on their star duo's ability to perform in high-pressure moments, and both Doncic and James fell short in the clutch. The team squandered a 12-point second-half lead, marking their first loss of the season when leading after three quarters.
Doncic's hesitation was particularly startling, especially his suggestion that a step behind the three-point line was too great a distance for a player renowned for his long-range shooting.
He later conceded that his poor shooting performance earlier in the game – a mere 2-for-10 from beyond the arc against the Magic – might have influenced his decision. When questioned if his lack of rhythm contributed, he admitted, "Maybe a little bit."
James, reflecting on the play, acknowledged the suddenness of the pass.
"Obviously you’ll have to ask Luka what he saw on that," he stated. "I thought he had a good look, and it looked like he kind of just lost his balance. Didn’t have the rhythm of the ball, whatever the case may be, and it kind of allowed them to get back in front of him. I was kind of off balance when he gave it to me."
The pair had connected on the preceding possession, with Doncic assisting James for a go-ahead dunk. However, Orlando quickly reclaimed the lead through Wendell Carter Jr.'s putback layup, setting the stage for the Lakers' final, ill-fated possession.
Doncic finished the game 8 for 24 from the field, his 22 points marking his lowest-scoring output in over three months in a game he completed without injury.
James was surprised that Doncic passed to himopen image in gallery
James was surprised that Doncic passed to him (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
He expressed regret over his decision: "I didn’t want to lose the ball, and we didn’t have timeouts. But like I said, shouldn’t have picked up the ball. I should attack. That’s on me."
Coach Redick confirmed the play was designed for Doncic to take the shot. "We obviously ran a play for him to get a look," he said.
"I felt like he had a decent shot." Redick indicated he would discuss the play with Doncic during their flight to Phoenix, where the Lakers face the Suns, a crucial Western Conference rival.