Even if you are a Lakers fan, you have to feel for Courtney Lee — well, probably not — who missed not one, but two crucial late-game layups that could have given the Orlando Magic a Game 2 win, plus the home court advantage that came with such a victory. This morning, however, there’s a great deal of blame being laid at Lee’s feet. Granted, he could’ve/should’ve converted one of those two shots, but it seems like folks are losing sight of all those turnovers the Magic committed, 20, while burying Lee under the pile containing Nick Anderson’s missed free throws.

As for the alley-oop itself, it was a brilliant play that was brilliantly executed, save for the finish. Yes, the pass made Lee take an extra step, getting him closer to the backboard than he would’ve liked, and he was shooting a right-handed layup from the left side of the basket from almost a side angle with Pau Gasol contesting. Nevertheless, Lee did get a clean look and should’ve closed the deal.

But, he didn’t. And now he’s made out to be the goat. While some folks wanted a goal-tending call — at least the Orlando Sentinel isn’t relying on that excuse, although, rules are rules — to Lee’s credit, he’s taking the blame for the miss.

What’s next for the Magic? If they want to be apart of this series for much longer, it had better start with a win tomorrow night. While some of the more respected members of the media are saying this series is done — deja vu from Game 1 — and that the Magic are proving they don’t belong, talk like that is a little premature.

The primary thing that’s been proven in these first two games is that the Lakers can hold court. If/when they beat the Magic in Game 3, then we can talk about sweeps and not belonging. Until then, the series is still very much alive.

Tags: Courtney Lee, Los Angeles Lakers, Missed Layups, NBA Finals, Orlando Magic

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