In a tense game at home on Tuesday, Luka Dončić and the Los Angeles Lakers suffered a heartbreaking one-point defeat to the Orlando Magic, 110-109. The Lakers had a chance to secure the win late but faltered in execution, with Dončić’s hesitation in the final seconds drawing sharp criticism. The loss deepens concerns about the Lakers’ ability to close out tight games amid their ongoing struggles.
Back-and-Forth Battle Ends With Orlando Edging Out Los Angeles
The Magic overcame an early double-digit deficit to bring the game down to the wire, setting up an intense final minute. Desmond Bane nailed a go-ahead three-pointer with just over half a minute left, giving Orlando a 108-107 lead. Dončić quickly answered by assisting a cutting LeBron James for a dunk to regain a narrow lead of 109-108.
However, Wendell Carter Jr. responded with a contested basket under the rim to push the Magic ahead 110-109 with only 6.7 seconds remaining. This sequence left the Lakers needing a decisive play to steal the win, putting immense pressure on their star players.
Late-Game Breakdown Draws Criticism from Analysts and Fans
With the clock winding down, Dončić faced an open deep three-point shot but chose to pass the ball to James instead. LeBron attempted a difficult fadeaway jumper while falling out of bounds, which missed as time expired. This decision sparked wide frustration from analysts and the NBA community, who questioned Dončić’s reluctance to take the clutch shot.
NBA analyst Skip Bayless voiced his disappointment, stating,
“WHY DIDN’T LUKA TAKE THE OPEN 3 TO WIN IT? BECAUSE HE WAS 2-10 FROM 3. HE’S A LOUSY 3-PT SHOOTER FOR A GUY TAKING 2ND MOST IN THE NBA. SO HE DUMPED TO LEBRON, WHO BUILT IN AN EXCUSE BY MAKING IT ABSURDLY HARD FALLING OUT OF BOUNDS AND MISSING BADLY,”
reflecting on Dončić’s shooting struggles this season.
Bayless later added,
“What a sorry home loss by the Lakers, to the Magic,”
amplifying the frustration felt by many Lakers supporters.
Similarly, analyst Allen Sliwa remarked,
“Terrible loss, Lakers look lost. Thought they would play inspired basketball after Sunday’s game vs. the Celtics. Not the case. Just not a good product right now,”
underscoring the team’s recent inconsistency.
Orlando’s Physicality Overwhelms Lakers in Key Areas
Lakers insider Jovan Buha pointed out that Orlando’s size and aggression in the paint and on the boards gave them an edge, writing,
“Orlando’s size, athleticism, and physicality was the difference. They overpowered LA in the paint and on the glass, Luka had 22/9/15.”
This physical dominance proved decisive in the closing moments.
With this loss, the Lakers dropped to 34-23, sitting sixth in the Western Conference and trailing the fifth-place Minnesota Timberwolves by a full game. The Lakers now face a challenging road ahead, with their next game scheduled on Thursday against the Phoenix Suns.
Dončić’s Performance Reflects Broader Offensive Struggles
The Athletic’s Law Murray highlighted Dončić’s inefficiency, noting,
“Luka with a Kobe tribute tonight. 8 for 24 field goals. Only 22 points, fourth time this season that Dončić had more shots than points.”
Despite his high usage, Dončić’s shooting woes continue to hinder the Lakers’ offensive rhythm.
LeBron James Comments on Final Play Despite Frustration
Following the game, LeBron James offered insight into the critical last possession, sharing,
“I’m not sure. Obviously you’ll have to ask Luka what he saw. I thought he had a good look and it looked like he kind of lost his balance and didn’t have a rhythm with the ball.”
James’ remarks acknowledge the uncertainty around Dončić’s decision and reflect the tension within the team during close situations.
Lakers’ Playoff Hopes Dented by Recent Losses and Execution Issues
This defeat marks the Lakers’ fourth loss in their last six games and culminates an eight-game homestand on a disappointing note. Their inability to secure wins against playoff-caliber teams casts doubt on their postseason prospects. With valuable games approaching and their current standing precarious in the competitive Western Conference, the need for better execution in critical moments is clear.
As the Lakers prepare to travel to Phoenix, the pressure mounts on both Dončić and James to lead the franchise back to form and demonstrate the resilience expected of a championship contender.
WHY DIDN'T LUKA TAKE THE OPEN 3 TO WIN IT? BECAUSE HE WAS 2-10 FROM 3. HE'S A LOUSY 3-PT SHOOTER FOR A GUY TAKING 2ND MOST IN THE NBA. SO HE DUMPED TO LEBRON, WHO BUILT IN AN EXCUSE BY MAKING IT ABSURDLY HARD FALLING OUT OF BOUNDS AND MISSING BADLY.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) February 25, 2026
What a sorry home loss by the Lakers, to the Magic.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) February 25, 2026
Terrible loss, Lakers look lost. Thought they would play inspired basketball after Sunday's game vs the Celtics. Not the case.
Just not a good product right now…
— Allen Sliwa (@AllenSliwa) February 25, 2026
Final: Magic 110, Lakers 109
LA falls to 34-23. They’re now No. 6 in the West and a full game back of No. 5 MIN. Orlando’s size, athleticism and physicality was the difference. They overpowered LA in the paint and on the glass. Luka had 22/9/15.
Up next: at PHX on Thursday.
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) February 25, 2026
Luka with a Kobe tribute tonight
8 for 24 field goals
Only 22 points, fourth time this season that Doncic had more shots than points
— Law Murray 💊 (@LawMurrayTheNU) February 25, 2026
“I’m not sure. Obviously you’ll have to ask Luka what he saw. I thought he had a good look and it looked like he kind of lost his balance and didn’t have a rhythm with the ball” – LeBron James on the Lakers’ final inbounds play to Luka Doncic pic.twitter.com/ajWVYjl4sP
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 25, 2026
