Video: LeBron Says Anthony Davis’ Missed FT Didn’t Cause Lakers’ Loss vs. Magic | News, results, highlights, stats and rumours

Although 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 see that as the main reason they were defeated.

James told reporters after the game that both teams played well and the Lakers “had our chances” to win, “but we didn’t come through.”

The Lakers led by as many as seven points in the fourth quarter. They had a 116-114 advantage with 39 seconds left 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-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 left.

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 clear three with 2.5 seconds left.

After a timeout to set up one final play, Davis’ shot missed the rim completely. It was an uncharacteristically sloppy shooting display from the Lakers’ two superstars, especially 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’ll be kicking themselves for blowing a late lead in a game in which James and Davis combined for 70 points, 19 rebounds and nine assists.

The Lakers look to bounce back on Saturday when they host the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena.