Lakers suffer second straight loss as Magic dominate in Orlando
Paolo Banchero put on a show, dropping 41 points as the Orlando Magic overpowered the Lakers in a statement win. Despite a strong first half from LeBron James and Luka Dončić, Los Angeles collapsed defensively, suffering their second straight loss. With this victory, the Magic prove they’re a serious playoff contender, while the Lakers face mounting concerns in the tough Western Conference race.
The Los Angeles Lakers faced the Orlando Magic on March 24, 2025, at the Kia Center in Orlando, resulting in a 118-106 victory for the Magic. The Lakers started strong, leading 30-26 at the end of the first quarter, with Luka Dončić contributing 11 points.
Paolo Banchero shines as Magic overcome Lakers' halftime lead with dominant second half
By halftime, the Lakers maintained a narrow 60-58 lead. Dončić led all scorers with 21 points, shooting 6-for-14, including 2-for-6 from three-point range, while LeBron James added 14 points and six rebounds.
In the second half, the Magic surged ahead, outscoring the Lakers 60-46. Paolo Banchero played a pivotal role, leading Orlando with 41 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. The Lakers struggled to contain Banchero's offensive prowess, leading to their defensive breakdown.
Lakers Struggle defensively as Magic strengthen playoff hopes with key victory
This loss marked the Lakers' second consecutive defeat, raising concerns about their defensive consistency. The team will need to address these issues to maintain their position in the competitive Western Conference standings.
Conversely, the Magic's victory bolstered their playoff aspirations, improving their record to 34-38. With Banchero's stellar performance, Orlando demonstrated their potential to compete against top-tier teams as the season progresses.