The Los Angeles Lakers suffered their second-straight defeat on Tuesday night, falling 110-109 to the Orlando Magic in what was nearly a buzzer-beater win for the Lakers.
Los Angeles’ top two superstar players, LeBron James and Luka Doncic, were involved in the game’s final play with a game-winning shot in the mix. However, things went awry between the two teammates, and LeBron missed the game-winner.
On the inbounds play, the ball went to Luka, who had a wide-open look at a three-point shot or a drive to the basket for the win. However, he passed to LeBron, who took a contested three, but missed the shot as time expired.
It was puzzling for fans, Lakers commentators, and LeBron, who said he thought Luka had a “good look” but “stumbled.” Luka recently shared his account of what happened and who was to blame in the messy final play.
“I mean, I just saw him open, and I didn't want to lose the ball. We didn't have timeouts,” Luka told reporters, adding, “I shouldn't have picked up the ball. I should have attacked…That's on me.”
When asked by reporters whether he and LeBron had spoken after that final play broke down, Luka said they hadn’t yet.
LeBron and Luka finished with 21 and 22 points, respectively, in the loss. Teammate Deandre Ayton also scored 21. However, the final shot not working out may have hinted that maybe a change in who the team’s leader is hasn’t fully taken hold.
King James is in his 23rd season, and rumors about his potential retirement or a trade request to another team continue to swirl as the Lakers’ season continues. However, LeBron has been mostly tight-lipped about making any decisions, and seems focused on this Lakers season.
That said, there is a passing of the torch going on, as the Lakers swung a shocking trade to bring Luka to Los Angeles, sending away big man Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks. It’s believed that Luka will become the franchise player upon LeBron’s departure or retirement from the NBA.
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