Luka Doncic and LeBron James are reportedly at loggerheads after the Los Angeles Lakers lost a close game to the Orlando Magic, 109-110. The Lakers have now lost two back-to-back games with Eastern Conference teams. As the teams look to the post-All-Star period to make a final push for the playoffs, the Lakers didn’t begin as they expected. Meanwhile, sources suggested that there seems to be a rift in the Lakers’ roster.
In the final moments of the game against the Magic, the Lakers guard had the ball as expected, as the Lakers trailed 109-110, but Paolo Banchero and Anthony Black closed in on him. He picked up his dribble, which led him to look out for James on his side. However, the 4-time NBA champion could not make the shot, and the Lakers lost. An analyst on X wrote:
“BREAKING: Luka Doncic is frustrated with LeBron James significant involvement in the offense. Doncic prefers to run the offense through pick and rolls, while James prefers off ball movement.”
Even though the official confirmation of the report is still awaited, the difference between Doncic and James’ playing style is evident. However, when asked by the media after the game about the clutch situation, the stars of the team seemed to defend each other.
What did Luka Doncic and LeBron James say about the game-winner?
In any situation, a good team always protects and supports each other. When asked about his thoughts on navigating the game-winning shot, Doncic said:
“I know I was open, but I just thought I was a little bit far. Tried to take one dribble to get a little closer. Probably shouldn’t have picked up the ball, just tried to attack.”
The media also questioned LeBron James about suddenly getting the ball after the Slovenian guard was closed out by the Magic’s defense. He said:
“Obviously you’ll have to ask Luka what he saw on that. I thought he had a good look, and it looked like he kind of just lost his balance. Didn’t have the rhythm of the ball, whatever the case may be, and it kind of allowed them to get back in front of him. I was kind of off balance when he gave it to me.”
After the game, head coach JJ Redick also clarified that the play was designed for Luka Doncic, but the ball ended up in James’ hands unexpectedly. However, the two did not throw one another under the bus and took responsibility for the late fumble.
The Lakers will next travel to Phoenix and play against the Suns on January 26.
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