The Los Angeles Lakers let slip a game against the Orlando Magic on Tuesday. LeBron James missed the potential game-winning shot after a confusing play by Luka Doncic. The four-time NBA champion came short, giving the Magic a 110-109 win.
The Doncic-James combination worked seconds before, when the Slovenian connected with the forward for a dunk that gave the Lakers a 109-108 lead. Wendell Carter Jr. took advantage after nobody grabbed a rebound off a Paolo Banchero’s attempt to give the Magic the lead.
Advertisement
MORE: LeBron James possible return to the Cavaliers hinges on one major factor
Doncic had the ball with 6.7 left on the clock. It looked like he would go for the shot, but Doncic kept the ball and passed it to James. He attempted the 3-pointer, but it was no good. The Magic won.
James reflected on the play in the locker room. He questioned Donic’s decision-making at that moment, noting that the guard had a good chance at scoring before giving him the ball.
“I’m not sure. I mean, obviously, you have to ask Luka what he saw on that,” James told reporters. “I thought he had a good look. It looked like he lost his balance and didn’t have rhythm with the ball or whatever the case may be. It allowed him (the defender) to get back in front of him. I was kinda off-balance when he gave it to me. I thought he had a great look. That’s my P.O.V.”
LeBron James played 32 minutes, scoring 21 points (8 of 13 from the field), grabbing six rebounds, dishing out four assists and blocking two shots. Luka Doncic played 38 minutes, contributing 22 points (8 of 24), nine rebounds and 15 assists.
Advertisement
MORE: Lakers could make shocking LeBron James decision amid exit rumors
LeBron James could come off the bench
Feb 12, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) pleads his case to referee Che Flores (91) in the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The Lakers are on a two-game losing streak. Their star trio of James, Doncic and Austin Reaves has been under scrutiny for their performance when the three share the floor. James could come off the bench soon if they don’t find a way to improve their offensive rating soon.
It would be unthinkable to see James exiting the starting lineup, but the Lakers can’t be completely successful if one of the three takes a back seat. This is only speculation, but if they continue to struggle against competitive teams, JJ Redick would have no choice.
Advertisement
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
NFL: 4 blockbuster NFL trades we want to see before the 2026 draft
OLYMPICS: Most talked-about Olympic romances from 2026 Winter Games
NBA: Andrew Friedman, other Dodgers execs get new roles with Lakers after $10 billion sale
SPORTS MEDIA: USA men’s hockey draws record Olympic gold medal TV viewership
ENTERTAINMENT: Martin Short’s daughter Katherine tragically dies at age 42
VIRAL: Pat McAfee makes stunning gesture during Team USA’s $150K Gold medal celebration
The post LeBron James throws Luka Doncic under the bus after Lakers’ loss to Magic appeared first on The Big Lead.