Following a grueling overtime loss to the Sacramento Kings, the Los Angeles Lakers returned to their home court to face the Orlando Magic in the second game of a back-to-back. Despite their heavy minutes in the previous game, superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis were determined to make an impact against the Magic. However, the Lakers were without the services of Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt. Nevertheless, they managed to secure a narrow 104-103 win over Orlando, improving their season record to 2-2.
The Magic came out with a fiery start, sinking consecutive three-pointers on their first two possessions to take an early 6-4 lead. Austin Reaves and Anthony Davis responded with layups for the Lakers, but the team struggled offensively in the early stages, a recurring theme in their young season. Towards the end of the first quarter, the Lakers found their rhythm, with Davis scoring some key baskets and Christian Wood draining a three-pointer after a steаl by D’Angelo Russell. Gabe Vincent also contributed with his first triple of the season, allowing the Lakers to finish the quarter with a 29-24 lead.
The Lakers carried their newfound momentum into the second quarter, starting with a 6-0 run to establish their first double-digit lead. However, Gary Harris of the Magic caught fire, knocking down four three-pointers to bring his team back into contention. Despite Davis finding success inside, the Lakers headed into halftime trailing 58-54 after Jalen Suggs beаt the buzzer with a three-pointer.
The Magic’s Franz Wagner opened the third quarter strongly, helping his team build an eight-point lead. Austin Reaves finally found his three-point strоke for the Lakers, which was much-needed considering his early-season struggles. After LeBron drew a clear path foul on Wagner, the Lakers put together a crucial 9-0 run to close the third quarter, reclaiming the lead at 81-80.
In the fourth quarter, Cole Anthony started with a deep three-pointer to end the Lakers’ run, but LeBron quickly responded with an easy layup. Harris continued his sharpshooting by drilling an open three, putting the Magic up by five. Midway through the fourth, Russell Һit a significant three-pointer to keep the Lakers in the game, followed by some clutch free throws to narrow the deficit to 98-96. James and Russell then connected on pivotal three-pointers in the final 90 seconds, propelling the Lakers back into the lead.
With the Lakers up 104-103 and 20 seconds remaining, the Magic had one last opportunity. Suggs drove to the basket against Davis, who contested the shot and forced a miss. Russell sealed the victory with two made free throws, and the Magic missed two three-pointers in their final attempts to secure the win. The Lakers celebrated a hard-fought victory, showcasing their determination and resilience in a tҺrilling contest against the Magic.