Banchero’s NBA Shockwave: Luka and LeBron Break Down the Drama

On Tuesday, in an NBA clash, the Orlando Magic secured a narrow 110-109 victory against the Los Angeles Lakers, a win sealed after LeBron James failed to convert a three-point attempt with less than three seconds remaining.

During the critical play, Luka Doncic had an opportunity to determine the outcome when James located his colleague on the left, past the three-point arc; however, the Slovenian chose not to take the shot.

Since November 2023, the Magic have accumulated a streak of four consecutive triumphs against the Lakers. In this latest encounter, Paolo Banchero contributed 36 points and 10 rebounds, while Desmond Bane chipped in with an additional 22 points.

Breakdown: Luka Doncic and JJ Redick Discuss LA Lakers’ Defeat

After center Wendell Carter Jr propelled the Magic into a one-point lead with 6.7 seconds left, the Lakers requested a timeout before James presented Doncic with his prime opportunity.

“I merely observed him open,” Doncic articulated regarding his ultimate choice to return the pass to James, who then aimed from 27 feet. “I wished to avoid losing possession, and we had no timeouts left.”

“I believed I was getting a clear look, but that responsibility falls on me. I thought there was sufficient time to achieve a superior shot.”

Coach JJ Redick mentioned he hadn’t “truly had a chance to delve into it with Luka.” Redick added, “We designed a play for him to get an attempt, and I felt we had a decent chance.”

Magic win on a thrilling sequence!

The biggest of @wendellcarter34‘s 12 boards and 20 points leads Orlando to its 6th win in 8 games 🔥 https://t.co/FhfOvkDuFs pic.twitter.com/DSgFtR2CUU

— NBA (@NBA) February 25, 2026

LeBron James: Doncic ‘Possessed a Favorable Opportunity’ vs. Magic

James implied that the narrow margin of loss offered scant comfort. “Numerous instantaneous plays concluded that contest,” the four-time NBA Most Valuable Player remarked.

“We sank shots. We had a solid prospect. We did not obtain the shot we desired. You would need to inquire with Luka about his perspective on that moment.”

“He had a promising view, and it appeared as though he somewhat lost his equilibrium, lacked rhythm with the ball, or whatever the situation may have been.”

“I was rather off-balance when he passed it to me. I thought he had an excellent chance.”

Luka can fly 🪄 pic.twitter.com/6Xmu754IMm

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 25, 2026

NBA Calendar: What Awaits the Magic and Lakers?

The Lakers, currently ranked sixth in the Western Conference and holding a 5-5 record following a second consecutive defeat, will resume NBA competition against the Phoenix Suns on Thursday (21:00 ET / 18:00 PT / 02:00 on Friday GMT).

“There isn’t much opportunity for deep contemplation,” James acknowledged. “We are playing every other day, often back-to-back. I didn’t even know what day it was when I awoke.”

The Magic, positioned seventh in the Eastern Conference with a 6-4 standing after successive victories, will host the Houston Rockets for their next game on Thursday (19:30 ET / 16:30 PT / 00:30 on Friday GMT).

NBA Outcomes: Tuesday, February 24, 2026