Following an embarrassing loss to the Boston Celtics, the Los Angeles Lakers needed a big response from Luka Doncic when they took on the Orlando Magic to finish out their eight-game homestand.
The Magic have been an underwhelming squad this year but are a difficult matchup on paper for the Lakers as they boast size, physicality and defense across their lineups. Physicality was brought up as an issue for Los Angeles against Boston and the same was seen again as Orlando did its best to muck up the game and force players like Doncic in tough shots constantly.
Even without Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner, the Magic found ways to fluster Doncic whenever he had the basketball. While Doncic was able to find open teammates en route to 15 assists, his shooting efficiency plummeted as he took high-difficult shots under duress. Los Angeles ultimately lost 110-109, with Doncic leading the team in scoring with 22 points on 8-of-24 shooting from the field including just 2-of-10 from the 3-point line.
The Lakers had a chance to steal the game as they had the final shot, but the play seemed disorganized as Doncic passed up an open 3-pointer to give the ball to LeBron James, who then proceeded to miss the game-winner. Doncic explained what happened on the play and why he decided to forego the final shot.
“I know I was open, but I just thought I was a little bit far,” the Lakers star said after the loss. “Tried to take one dribble closer. I probably shouldn’t have picked up the ball and just tried to attack.”
Doncic added that his poor shooting night may have played a role in his hesitation and he thought there was enough time to generate a better look.
“Maybe a little bit…I thought it was enough time. There was six or seven seconds, enough time to get a better look, try to drive the ball, so that’s why I picked [up my dribble].”
It’s uncharacteristic to see Luka pass up an open look with the game on the line, especially given the fact that he hit a tough shot in crunch time a couple minutes earlier.
The loss marked the first time Los Angeles failed to win when going into the fourth quarter with a lead, though the more concerning issue is how they lost to another team that bullied them in multiple areas. Rebounding and second-chance points doomed the Lakers, and Doncic’s shooting struggles exacerbated their problems.
The Phoenix Suns are on tap for Thursday, so it’ll be worth watching how Doncic and the rest of the team responds.
Luka Doncic believes Lakers’ new starting group is ‘very good lineup’
The Lakers came out of the All-Star break mostly healthy and head coach JJ Redick finally got to trot out a lineup of Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Marcus Smart, LeBron James and Deandre Ayton. The grouping seems the most optimal on paper, with Doncic calling it a very good lineup.
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