In a heart-stopping finish at Crypto.com Arena, the Orlando Magic stunned the Los Angeles Lakers 110-109 on Tuesday night, capping a thrilling comeback with a game-winning putback by Wendell Carter Jr. The loss, which dropped the Lakers to sixth in the Western Conference standings, was defined not just by the final score, but by a chaotic final possession where Luka Doncic passed up an open shot to LeBron James, whose desperate buzzer-beater miss sealed the team's fate.
Magic Stun Lakers with Late-Game Heroics
The night belonged to the Magic, who rallied from a double-digit deficit to secure a vital road victory. While Paolo Banchero was the offensive engine, pouring in a game-high 36 points and grabbing 12 rebounds, it was Carter Jr. who delivered the decisive blow. Trailing by one with seconds remaining, Banchero missed a jumper, but Carter Jr. fought through the paint to secure the offensive rebound and convert the putback with just 6.7 seconds on the clock.
Carter finished with 20 points and 12 rebounds, proving instrumental in Orlando's fourth consecutive win over the Purple and Gold. The victory was a statement for the Magic, who improved their position in the Eastern Conference playoff race, while the Lakers finished a disappointing eight-game homestand with a mediocre 4-4 record.
The Final Play: Luka Doncic Hesitates, LeBron James Misses
The most talking point of the night, however, was the Lakers' final offensive sequence. Trailing 110-109, head coach JJ Redick drew up a play designed to free up Luka Doncic, the NBA's leading scorer. James inbounded the ball to Doncic, who curled off a screen to find himself wide open just beyond the three-point line. In a moment that baffled the home crowd, the Slovenian superstar hesitated.
Instead of pulling the trigger on what appeared to be a clean look, Doncic put the ball on the floor, allowing defenders Anthony Black and Paolo Banchero to close the gap. Forced into a double team, Doncic kicked the ball back out to James in the corner. With the clock expiring, James launched an off-balance, fading three-pointer that clanged off the rim as the buzzer sounded.
Doncic and James React to the Missed Opportunity
"I thought he had a great look, but that's my POV," James said regarding Doncic's decision to pass. "I was kinda off-balance when he gave it to me." The four-time champion finished the night with 21 points, matching the output of center Deandre Ayton, who also added 13 rebounds.
Doncic, who struggled with his shot all night finishing 8-of-24 from the field and 2-of-10 from deep, took accountability for the play. "I know I was open, but I just thought I was a little bit far," Doncic admitted postgame. "Tried to take one dribble to get a little closer. Probably shouldn't have picked up the ball, just tried to attack." Despite the shooting struggles, the Luka Doncic Lakers stats line remained impressive with 22 points and 15 assists, though the final hesitation will be what fans remember.
Paolo Banchero Drops 36 Points in Star Performance
Overshadowed by the dramatic finish was the brilliance of Paolo Banchero. The Magic forward was unstoppable, dissecting the Lakers' defense with a mix of power drives and mid-range precision. His 36-point outburst was crucial in keeping Orlando within striking distance when the Lakers threatened to pull away in the third quarter.
"We just kept fighting," Banchero said. "We knew if we hung around, we'd have a chance at the end." His performance was complemented by Desmond Bane, who added 22 points, including a clutch three-pointer in the final minute that set the stage for the dramatic conclusion.
Lakers Standings in Western Conference Take a Hit
This loss has significant implications for the Lakers standings in the Western Conference. Dropping to 34-23, Los Angeles has slid to the sixth seed, losing crucial ground in the tight playoff race. It marked the first time this season the Lakers lost a game when leading after three quarters, breaking a streak that had given them a sense of invincibility when closing out games.
With the regular season entering its final stretch, the chemistry between James and Doncic will be under the microscope. Moments like Tuesday's hesitation highlight the growing pains of integrating two ball-dominant superstars, even this late in the season. As NBA news today cycles through the highlights, the Lakers will need to regroup quickly to avoid falling further into the play-in tournament conversation.
