The Los Angeles Lakers had a rough end to their eight-game homestand, as they lost the final game to the Orlando Magic. That meant their stint at Crypto.com Arena is a 4-4 tally over the lengthy stay at home. It was a close loss to Orlando, as they only lost by one point.
In fact, the Lakers had the opportunity to win the game at the buzzer with a late three-pointer from Luka Doncic. Unfortunately, he did not take the shot, electing to pass to LeBron James, who had to shoot a turnaround fadeaway from beyond the arc.
James believes Doncic was uncomfortable with taking the last shot
It was a superb game between the two teams, as they kept fighting back when the other took the lead. Late in the game, it was Wendell Carter Jr. who got the decisive bucket in the paint to take the lead. That would prove to be the final points scored because Doncic hesitated on shooting a long three-pointer.
The Lakers executed the play well, but Doncic uncharacteristically passed the ball. Most people are familiar with Doncic and his tendency to hit game-winners. However, that was not the case against the Magic on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena.
Most people would have lived with Doncic shooting the three, especially if he made it. However, people know about Luka’s clutch-time moments, so passing the ball was a surprising passiveness from one of the league’s deadliest clutch scorers.
As the player who had to throw up a prayer with his fadeaway, James thinks Doncic was uncomfortable with his balance when he was preparing to shoot. In fact, Doncic himself felt that it was too far to take the shot.
“I thought he had a good look, and it looked like he kinda lost his balance. Didn’t have the rhythm of the ball, whatever the case may be. That allowed him to get 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 POV,” James said after the game.
It was certainly a bizarre moment, especially because it was a renowned clutch shot maker. Moving forward, this will be a lesson learned for Doncic and the rest of the Lakers. He will be willing to shoot those types of shots most of the time, so he will relish an opportunity to redeem himself.