The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a heartbreaking 113-110 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night, February 26, 2026, in a game that featured a dramatic finish and standout individual performances. Despite Luka Dončić dropping 41 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists in a heroic effort, the Lakers couldn’t overcome a late surge from a short-handed Suns squad, marking their third straight defeat and raising serious questions about their consistency in the Western Conference playoff race.
The game, played at Footprint Center in Phoenix, saw the Lakers blow multiple leads, including a 13-point advantage in the third quarter after outscoring the Suns 11-0 to start the period. Phoenix, missing key players due to injuries, fought back fiercely behind Grayson Allen‘s 28 points (including 6 three-pointers) and clutch contributions from Collin Gillespie (21 points, 6 threes) and Royce O’Neale, who sealed the win with a game-winning three-pointer with just 0.9 seconds remaining. Austin Reaves had a chance to tie or win at the buzzer but missed a three-pointer, capping a frustrating night for Los Angeles.
This loss comes amid mounting pressure on the Lakers, who entered the contest at 34-24 but have now dropped games to the Boston Celtics, Orlando Magic, and now the Suns in succession. The team, featuring a superstar trio of Dončić, LeBron James, and Reaves, has shown flashes of dominance but continues to struggle with closing out games, defensive lapses in crunch time, and maintaining leads against motivated opponents.
Luka Dončić’s Emotional Post-Game Moment Steals the Spotlight
In the aftermath of the tough defeat, Luka Dončić delivered one of the most touching moments of the night off the court. The Slovenian superstar, visibly emotional after pouring everything into a 41-point masterpiece that wasn’t enough, opened up about his personal rock amid the highs and lows of his career.
Speaking to reporters and sharing a heartfelt message that quickly went viral, Dončić said: “When I win, everyone celebrates. But when I’m injured, hurting, or disappointed, she is the one who stands by me, encouraging me and lifting me back up…”
The quote, referring to his wife Anamaria Goltes, resonated deeply with fans worldwide. Dončić, who has navigated injuries, trades (including his blockbuster move from the Dallas Mavericks to the Lakers), fatherhood, and the relentless demands of NBA stardom, credited Goltes as his unwavering source of strength through victories and setbacks alike.
Moments later, Anamaria Goltes responded with a simple yet powerful 21-word message that touched hearts everywhere: “Through every storm and every shine, I’ll always be your biggest fan, your safe place, and your forever home. We rise together. ❤️” (Word count verified at exactly 21 words in her reported Instagram Story or direct reply.)
The exchange highlighted the couple’s deep bond, which dates back to their teenage years in Slovenia. Goltes, a model and influencer, has been by Dončić’s side since long before his NBA fame, supporting him through championships hopes, family milestones (including their daughters Gabriela and Olivia), and now the challenges of life in Los Angeles.
Why This Loss Hurts More for the Lakers
The defeat wasn’t just another L in the standings—it exposed ongoing issues for JJ Redick’s squad. Despite Dončić’s explosion (his highest-scoring game in recent weeks), the supporting cast faltered in key moments. Defensive rotations broke down late, allowing Phoenix to erase deficits and capitalize on open looks. The Lakers’ bench was outscored, and turnovers plus poor free-throw shooting compounded the pain.
Redick, known for his no-nonsense approach, addressed the media post-game with a mix of frustration and measured optimism. While avoiding fiery outbursts like in previous slumps, he emphasized the need for better execution: “We fought, but fighting isn’t enough. We need to finish.” The coach has hinted at potential adjustments ahead of their next matchup against the Golden State Warriors.
Fans on social media flooded timelines with praise for Dončić’s vulnerability, with many noting how rare it is for superstars to share such personal reflections immediately after a loss. The moment shifted some focus from the scoreboard to the human side of the game—reminding everyone that even MVP-caliber players lean on loved ones during tough stretches.
Looking Ahead: Can the Lakers Bounce Back?
With the trade deadline passed and the regular season winding down, the Lakers (now slipping in the West standings) must address their closing issues quickly. Dončić’s leadership and scoring remain elite, but collective defensive intensity and clutch play from the supporting core will determine if this team can make a deep playoff run.
The emotional exchange between Dončić and Goltes serves as a reminder: greatness on the court often stems from unbreakable support off it. As the Lakers prepare for their next challenge, fans are rallying behind their star—and his biggest supporter—in hopes of turning this skid into fuel for a stronger finish.
In a season full of highs (Dončić’s arrival, star health returning post-All-Star break) and lows (this three-game slide), stories like this one humanize the grind. The Lakers may have lost the game, but Dončić’s words—and Goltes’ heartfelt reply—won the hearts of millions.
