After a dramatic overtime win over the L.A. Clippers, the Lakers began a four-game road trip with a rematch versus the Orlando Magic.
The Magic defeated the Lakers 120-101 to ruin their road trip opening.
Lakers took an early 7-4 lead over short-handed Orlando as LeBron James scored five straight points. Franz Wagner led a 9-0 Magic rally, but Anthony Davis stopped them and knotted the game at 20.
Orlando broke out from the field and scored 13-0 to lead 33-20. Christian Wood’s 3-pointer stopped the run, but Los Angeles trailed 39-25 after one quarter.
After James returned, the Lakers started the second with a 10-2 run to trim the Magic advantage. Orlando reclaimed some control as Los Angeles battled with the basketball.
After James left, the Magic scored again to lead by 16. The Lakers trailed 67-51 at halftime after failing to get defensive rebounds, giving Orlando several second-chance baskets. The Magic scored 26 second-chance points in the first half, while the Lakers scored seven.
Paolo Banchero and Wagner kept harassing Los Angeles’ defense, but the Lakers sought to score in the paint to get back in. Despite foul trouble, Davis rallied L.A. from double digits behind.
No matter how many times the Lakers threatened to win, the Magic had a response and kept control. L.A. missed many easy baskets and headed into the fourth quarter down 101-80.
Darvin Ham started the fourth with his regulars to try to rally, but Orlando was too strong defensively. James made some difficult buckets to help the Laker offense make one more run and cut the deficit to 15.
Los Angeles stayed within striking distance as they battled on both ends to challenge Orlando. Cole Anthony’s 3-pointer interrupted their run, forcing Ham to turn to his bench and declare defeat.