The Orlando Magic secured a narrow 110-109 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in a dramatic NBA finish. The decisive plays unfolded in the final 6.7 seconds, when Wendell Carter Jr. scored a putback to give the Magic the lead, followed by Luka Dončić passing up a good shot opportunity to pass the ball to LeBron James, who missed a desperate three-pointer at the buzzer. Led by Paolo Banchero's 36 points, the Magic concluded a successful road trip with a 3-1 record, while the Lakers suffered their fourth loss in their last eight home games.

Dončić's Controversial Decision

With the Lakers leading by one point and 6.7 seconds left, Luka Dončić, being open, decided to pass the ball to LeBron James instead of taking the shot. James missed a difficult three-pointer at the buzzer.

Banchero Leads the Winners

Paolo Banchero scored 36 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for the Orlando Magic, also securing a crucial rebound after James' missed free throw with 42.3 seconds left.

Score and Conference Standings

The Magic won 110-109, marking their fourth consecutive victory over the Lakers. The Lakers, with a 34-23 record, maintain sixth place in the Western Conference, but have lost four of their last eight home games.

The Orlando Magic secured a dramatic 110-109 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in a game played Tuesday at Crypto.com Arena. The key plays unfolded in the final minute of the game. With 42.3 seconds left and the Lakers leading by two points, LeBron James missed a free throw. The rebound was grabbed by the Magic's Paolo Banchero, who ultimately missed a mid-range shot. However, the Orlando players won the offensive rebound battle, and Wendell Carter Jr. scored a putback under the basket with 6.7 seconds remaining, giving his team a 110-109 lead. In the Lakers' final possession, Luka Dončić found himself in a good position to shoot after an inbound pass. According to media reports and player comments, Dončić was „clearly open”. However, instead of taking the shot, he faked and decided to pass the ball to a retreating LeBron James. James, under pressure from the clock and a defender, took a difficult, turnaround three-point shot that missed. „I know I was open, but I just thought I was a little bit far. Tried to take one dribble closer. And I probably shouldn't have picked up the (ball), just tried to attack.” — Luka Dončić James commented on his teammate's decision after the game, saying that in his opinion, Dončić had a good look. This finish became the main topic of post-game discussion. Paolo Banchero, selected first overall in the 2022 draft, led the winning team with 36 points (his highest in four weeks) and 10 rebounds. He was supported by Desmond Bane (22 points) and Wendell Carter Jr. (20 points). For the Lakers, Luka Dončić recorded 22 points, 15 assists, and 9 rebounds, while LeBron James and Deandre Ayton each scored 21 points. This was the Orlando Magic's fourth consecutive win over the Lakers and their third win in four games on their ongoing road trip, during which they also defeated the Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles Clippers, and lost to the Phoenix Suns. The Los Angeles Lakers, despite the loss, hold the sixth position in the Western Conference with a record of 34 wins and 23 losses, securing them a direct playoff berth and bypassing the play-in tournament. However, they have only won four of their last eight home games.The Los Angeles Lakers, founded in 1947, are one of the most decorated clubs in NBA history, with 17 league championships. The Orlando Magic, established in 1989, have reached the NBA Finals twice (1995, 2009) but have never won a championship title.

Mentioned People

  • Paolo Banchero — Orlando Magic basketball player, team leader in the game with 36 points and 10 rebounds.
  • LeBron James — Los Angeles Lakers basketball player who missed the three-point shot in the game's final possession.
  • Luka Dončić — Los Angeles Lakers basketball player who passed the ball instead of taking a shot in the decisive play.
  • Wendell Carter Jr. — Orlando Magic basketball player, author of the decisive putback with 6.7 seconds left in the game.