NBA Admits 3 Missed Calls in Lakers-Magic Game

While it was a close game decided by just one point, there were a number of missed calls in the closing stages of the game that could have changed the outcome.

In its Last 2 Minute Report, the NBA revealed three incorrect non-calls, two of which benefited the Lakers while one benefited the Magic.

With 1:05 remaining, Doncic took a step-back 3-pointer and missed. He was initially supposed to take three free throws because the referees deemed he was fouled on the play, but a coach's challenge negated that.

Regardless, the NBA revealed that Doncic should have been called for a traveling violation before he shot because he took more than two steps after his initial gather. That would have given the Magic possession without needing to use their coach's challenge.

Another issue that the NBA took notice of was Carter's uncalled defensive three-second violation with roughly 45 seconds remaining. As LeBron James was trying to attack the basket, Carter put one foot outside the painted area before quickly getting back into the paint to defend it.

According to the report, Carter Jr. "fails to fully clear the lane and is in the paint for longer than three seconds without imminently actively guarding an opponent."

James was fouled in the sequence and made one of his two free throws, giving L.A. the 107-105 lead.

The most important missed call, however, was on Carter's game-winning shot. The NBA deemed that Doncic should have been called for a shooting foul because he hit the Orlando big man's hand while he was attempting to shoot the ball.

Had it been called, the Magic would have gotten an extra free throw and the chance to make it a two-point lead.

"Doncic (LAL) initiates contact with Carter Jr.'s (ORL) arm as he defends the shot attempt," the league commented about the play.

The good news for the Magic is that they were still able to win despite two incorrect non-calls going against them.

Orlando improved to 31-26 on the season with the win. At the time of writing, they are seventh in the Eastern Conference and just half a game behind the Philadelphia 76ers for the sixth seed.

The Lakers, on the other hand, dropped to a 34-23 record for the No. 6 seed in the West. They are only two games ahead of the seventh-seeded Phoenix Suns.