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By Matthew Couden
Contributing Writer
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The Los Angeles Lakers had a shot to defeat the Orlando Magic on what could've been a thrilling final play on Tuesday night, but fell 110-109 at home.
LeBron James took what could've been the game-winning shot, a three-pointer he heaved up before the buzzer while heavily guarded. However, James believes that his teammate, Luka Doncic, had a better chance of winning the game.
Even the Lakers' commentary crew was puzzled over what happened on the final play. An inbounds pass went to Luka Doncic, who seemed to have a wide-open look at a three-pointer with nobody near him.
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"He hesitated, and then that put LeBron in a position where he has to take just a low-percentage shot," the commentator indicated.
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LeBron had a similar response when speaking about it with reporters after the game, seeming to suggest that he thought his teammate could've taken the shot.
"Obviously, you have to ask Luka what he saw on that. I thought he had a good look, and it looked like he just lost his balance," LeBron said, adding, "I was kind of off balance when he gave it to me. I thought he had a great look."
A video below shows the final play, which went awry as the Orlando Magic managed to "sneak away" with the victory over LeBron, Luka, and the Lakers.
LeBron was one of three Lakers starters to record 20-plus points in the game. He finished with 21 points to go with six rebounds and four assists, while Doncic had 22 points, 15 assists, and nine rebounds.
Lakers teammate Deandre Ayton was a factor as well, scoring 21 points and grabbing 13 rebounds.
Former No. 1 pick Paolo Banchero finished with 36 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists for Orlando to propel their victory. His teammate, Wendell Carter Jr., added 20 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in the win.
The loss dropped the Lakers to 34-23, but they remain relevant in the Western Conference standings. However, it's their second-straight loss after being defeated by Jaylen Brown and the visiting Boston Celtics on Sunday night.
LeBron and company will try to get back on track when they visit Devin Booker and the Suns in Phoenix on Thursday evening.
Read more: Lakers’ LeBron James Reveals MVP Sleeper Pick Without Hesitation
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