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Even though LeBron James and Anthony Davis combined to miss four free throws in the final 39 seconds of the Los Angeles Lakers’ 119-118 loss to the Orlando Magic on Thursday, James doesn’t view that as the main reason they were defeated.
James told reporters after the game both teams played well and the Lakers “had our chances” to win, “but we didn’t come through.”
The Lakers led by as much as seven points in the fourth quarter. They had a 116-114 advantage with 39 seconds remaining when James stepped to the free-throw line. He made one of two attempts to extend the lead to three.
After Franz Wagner missed a game-tying three on Orlando’s ensuing possession, Davis made one of his two free throws. Wagner made a layup to cut the deficit to 118-116 with 20 seconds remaining.
Davis would miss both of his free throws to give Orlando a chance to win the game. Wagner took advantage of the situation by making a go-ahead three with 2.5 seconds remaining.
Following a timeout to set up a final play, Davis’ shot missed the rim altogether. It was an uncharacteristically sloppy shooting display from the Lakers’ two superstars, particularly Davis. He was 9-of-9 from the charity stripe before the final minute of regulation.
The Magic got an incredible performance out of Wagner in the win. He scored 37 points overall, with 15 coming in the fourth quarter. The 23-year-old is averaging 25.4 points on 46.1 percent shooting with 6.3 assists and 6.2 rebounds per game in 12 starts since Paolo Banchero suffered a torn oblique muscle on Oct. 30.
Thursday’s loss snapped the Lakers’ six-game winning streak. They will be kicking themselves for blowing a late lead in a game that James and Davis combined for 70 points, 19 rebounds and nine assists.
The Lakers will look to bounce back on Saturday when they host the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena.
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