NBA Insider picks LeBron James over Luka Doncic as LA’s closer

NBA insider Mark J. Spears said Wednesday that he would choose LeBron James over Luka Dončić as the Los Angeles Lakers‘ closer in late-game situations, citing James’ versatility and crunch-time results.

Speaking on NBA Today, Spears pointed to the final sequence The Lakers lost 110-109 to the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night, when Los Angeles had 6.7 seconds left and a chance to win. James threw the ball to Doncic, who later passed an open look to James for a contested fadeaway 3-pointer through Jonathan Isaac on the left wing.

“There aren’t many players in the NBA who close games better than LeBron James, and in the minute to two minutes, Luca hit a three, Austin hit a three. LeBron James is standing on the sideline with Desmond Bain guarding him, he’s taller than Desmond Bain, fifty pounds heavier, and he’s there while they’re there, and I think it’s a great ball. LeBron James’ hands, because he can take the ball to the basket, pass to Luka, to pass to Austin, I don’t think he should have gotten the ball out at the end of the game… and he’s a great closer and didn’t get a chance to close.

“I think as great as Luka (Doncic) is, I want the ball in LeBron James’ hands because he can take the ball to the basket, pass to Luka, pass to Austin (Reaves) … he’s a great closer and he didn’t have a chance to close.”

– Marc J. Spearspic.twitter.com/VTkSIi3lio

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 25, 2026

LeBron James and Luka Doncic fuel the Lakers closer debate

James finished with 21 points, six rebounds, four assists and two blocks in 32 minutes. He shot 8-for-13 from the field and 3-for-4 from the free throw line, and also knocked down two 3-pointers.

Doncic recorded 22 points, 15 assists and nine rebounds in 38 minutes, but struggled with efficiency. He shot 8-for-24 from the field, 2-for-10 from 3-point range and 4-for-9 from the free throw line.

The The late-game decision sparked a discussion about roles on a critical possession for the Lakers, who dropped to 34-23 with the loss and dropped their second straight game. James, a four-time NBA champion and four-time MVP, has long been considered one of the league’s most reliable players, especially in playoff settings. Doncic, meanwhile, has developed a reputation as a playmaker who is largely capable of making shots under pressure.

The Lakers now look to regroup as they begin a two-game road trip starting Thursday night against the Phoenix Suns (33-26) at 6:00 PM PT. With the Western Conference standings hotly contested, clarity in late-game execution could prove key as Los Angeles moves through the final stretch of the regular season.