The Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Orlando Magic 110-109 on Tuesday night after Luka Doncic failed to fire on a play drawn up for him in the final seconds. Number 77 was open for a deep 3-pointer off the catch, but never took the attempt. He was asked about it plenty in his postgame presser, and the superstar struggled to explain why he didn’t fire.
It was a disastrous night for the NBA’s leading scorer. He finished with 22 points, 15 assists, and nine rebounds, but it took 24 field goal attempts to get there. Luka went two of ten from 3-point range and missed five of his nine free throws. It was a disastrous night that was made worse by passing up the final shot.
Fans are used to seeing Doncic shine in the clutch. He has made playoff buzzer-beaters and some absolutely iconic shots in his already legendary career, which made him freezing in the final moments even crazier. Things only got worse when Luka tried to explain what happened after the loss.
Luka Doncic didn’t trust himself on the final play
Head coach JJ Redick admitted he drew the play up for Luka in the final seconds with his team down by one. Fans can see the disastrous moment below. Doncic clearly didn’t think he could make the shot, so he passed to LeBron for an impossible look that missed.
Luka passes up a wide open three, then LeBron misses the shot at the buzzer.
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) February 25, 2026
Austin Reaves may need to be the closer for the Lakers. pic.twitter.com/m6kd4X0QS7
When asked after the game, Luka said this.
“I know I was open, but I just thought it was a little bit far. I tried to take one dribble, but I probably shouldn’t have picked up the ball. I just tried to attack.”
Fans know Doncic struggles with catch-and-shoot attempts. He prefers getting to his stepback or having a rhythm dribble to fire. That was made impossible as Ayton didn’t cut to the basket. It was a strong night for the big man, but this was another problem in a long list of issues.
When asked about whether his shooting struggles played a role in Doncic passing up the final attempt, Luka had this to say.
“Maybe a little bit, but I thought it was enough time. It was about 6-7 seconds. I think it was enough time to get a better look. Try to drive the ball, maybe, so that is why I did it.”
Fans know Doncic is one of the best players in the world, and he is quickly becoming underrated. It is his legendary confidence that helps make him elite, which made this moment so jarring. Fans are used to seeing Luka keep firing no matter what. He was open and always shines in the biggest moments. The table was set, but number 77 failed to deliver.
The last thing fans wanted to hear was Doncic questioning himself. He knew he was open, but didn’t trust the look. Luka was well beyond the 3-point line, and that doesn’t matter. Fans have seen the superstar consistently nail those looks throughout his NBA career. The confidence just wasn’t there on a disastrous night for number 77.
This failure won’t stop Luka. The 26-year-old is known for his legendary resilience, too. Fans can bet number 77 will be excited for the next moment to prove everyone wrong. He failed on Tuesday night, but that will only make Doncic stronger for the next chance.
Los Angeles Lakers fans couldn’t believe Luka Doncic passed up a wide-open look to win the game. Everyone was even more confused when the superstar admitted he didn’t trust himself.
This was just a nightmare night that everyone needs to flush. The Lakers suffered a disappointing loss, but they can’t let that bleed into the next game. Expect Luka to be geared up and ready to go off on the Suns come Thursday night in Phoenix. Fans won’t want to miss it.