James: The final play’s strategy was executed well. Doncic had a good chance but seemed to lose his balance.

On February 25th Beijing time, the Lakers lost 109-110 to the Magic. After the game, James discussed the final possession. Below is the full interview transcript—

Reporter: You were ahead after the third quarter. Where do you think the problem was in this game?

James: I don’t know. The last part of the game had many close possessions, very tight. We made some shots but just couldn’t push the lead to two possessions. We led by 3, they hit a three; we led by 3 again, they scored; we led by 2, they took the lead. We couldn’t get the crucial defensive stops, which ultimately cost us the game.

Reporter: What’s your take on that final offensive possession?

James: I think we got a good opportunity. Luka came out to a clean spot, but I felt he lost his balance a bit. The play was executed, but we didn’t get the shot we wanted. The tactic worked, but it didn’t result in the shot we aimed for.

Reporter: Reddick said your style was right, united, and hardworking, so you should have won. After a result like this, what do you say to each other? Or do you just move on to the next game?

James: We lost.

Reporter: Even though you lost, is it easier to accept because you did everything you were supposed to?

James: No, it’s not acceptable.

Reporter: What should the last play have looked like? You said you didn’t get the chance you wanted.

James: We executed the play well. I still think you should ask Luka what he saw at that moment, but I felt he had a good opportunity. It just seemed like he lost balance and didn’t find the right rhythm with the ball. The defender got back in front of him. When he passed the ball to me, I was a bit off balance too. From my perspective, he had a good chance.

Reporter: You had two double-digit leads tonight, 13 points in the first half and 12 in the second. For the rest of the season, how do you avoid letting those leads slip away?

James: Hold on at the end of every quarter. They finished stronger than we did.

Reporter: This should be your longest home stretch this season, starting from the win against the 76ers early this month. How do you evaluate the team’s form and progress over the past three weeks?

James: I don’t know, I wake up not even knowing what day it is. You ask me about three weeks ago? I’m not the right person to answer that.

Reporter: Is this the usual state in the NBA around this time of year? Forgetting what day it is?

James: Partly, yes. But mostly it’s because games come one after another, no time to think. We play almost every other day, sometimes back-to-back. In this league, it’s hard to recall what happened three weeks ago, just impossible.

Reporter: Your home record this time is 4 wins and 4 losses. Do you feel a bit disappointed?

James: Oh, the home schedule.

Reporter: Yes, your home record this season hasn’t been great. What do you think is the reason?

James: We just haven’t played well at home.

Reporter: Ayton scored 21 points and grabbed 13 rebounds tonight. Is that the kind of performance you need from him every night?

James: Obviously. Sometimes when he’s playing well, we make an effort to get him the ball. Tonight I think we did that well, and he played excellently.