Lakers efforts stall in lackluster loss to Magic
ORLANDO — The Los Angeles Lakers efforts weren’t enough in another eight-man lineup rotation night, falling to the Orlando Magic 120–101 to move their record to 3–3.
The Lakers came into this matchup without Taurean Prince, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent and Jalen Hood-Schifino, all due to injuries. This forced another heavy-minute night for LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
With two of their first six games going into overtime, the result has made Davis the NBA leader in minutes played per game, with 38.8 mpg. LeBron, 38, is 14th in the NBA in minutes per game with 35.7 mpg, a trend that can't continue throughout the season.
Davis and LeBron accounted for 52 of the Lakers’ 101 points while playing a combined 67 minutes. In 32 minutes, Davis finished with 28 points, 13 rebounds and seven blocks, while LeBron had 24 points, 9 rebounds, five assists and three steals in 35 minutes.
The Lakers entered the matchup shorthanded, but it was no excuse for their efforts on the glass, allowing Orlando to capitalize on second-chance opportunities. The Magic secured 19 offensive rebounds while finishing the night with 36 second-chance points.
“We got to try to figure it out because it’s definitely been a trend. Offensive rebounds and points off turnovers,” LeBron said.
The Lakers struggled with a slow start, falling behind 39–25 in the first quarter and 62–55 in the second and third quarters, contributing to their lackluster performance in the loss.
“We just created a hole for ourselves in the first quarter,” Davis said. “Even though we tightened up the screws a little bit, the offensive rebounds killed us the entire game.”
Orlando was led by second-year standout Paolo Banchero, who recorded 25 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds.
Austin Reaves maintained his confidence despite the Lakers’ loss, continuing his turnaround from a tough start to the season. He scored 20 on 60% from three (3-of-5) and 63.6% overall (7-of-11).
D’Angelo Russell struggled to find consistency from the field, going 1-for-10 (10%) from three and 4-for-17 (23.5%) overall. He ended the game with 11 points, four rebounds, and four assists in 34 minutes
The Lakers' next matchup is scheduled on the road on Monday, Nov. 6, against the Miami Heat at 4:30 p.m. at the Kaseya Center.
