Magic Edge Past Lakers in Thrilling West Coast Finale
– Wendell Carter Jr.’s clutch putback with 6.7 seconds remaining propelled the Orlando Magic to a 110-109 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night, capping a successful West Coast trip for the Magic.
Paolo Banchero led all scorers with 36 points, spearheading Orlando’s offense as they overcame an early deficit to secure the win. The victory marked the Magic’s fourth consecutive triumph over the Lakers and moved them within a half-game of sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings.
The Lakers, who were looking to close out a disappointing homestand on a high note, saw their hopes dashed by Carter Jr.’s late heroics. LeBron James had a chance to win the game with a fallaway 3-point attempt as time expired, but the shot missed its mark.
Los Angeles finished the homestand with a 4-4 record and has now lost four of their last six games. The Lakers have fallen to sixth place in the Western Conference, struggling to consistently defeat playoff-caliber opponents.
Desmond Bane contributed 22 points for the Magic, while Carter Jr. Added 20 points and 12 rebounds, demonstrating his all-around impact on the game. Orlando’s surge, which has seen them win six of their last eight games, is a testament to their growing competitiveness in the Eastern Conference.
The Magic rallied from an early double-digit deficit to briefly take a five-point lead with 5 1/2 minutes left in the game. However, Rui Hachimura responded with a crucial 3-pointer for the Lakers, tying the score and setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
Bane then drilled a go-ahead 3-pointer with 34.6 seconds remaining, but the Lakers quickly answered with a dunk by James, assisted by Luka Doncic, to regain the lead. Carter Jr.’s decisive putback came after a second offensive rebound for the Magic, ultimately sealing the victory.
Doncic finished with 22 points and 15 assists for the Lakers, while James and Deandre Ayton each scored 21 points. Austin Reaves added 18 points, all in the second half, providing a spark off the bench for Los Angeles.
The Lakers’ turnovers and the Magic’s struggles with 3-point shooting kept the game close throughout the first three quarters. Orlando’s starting guard, Jalen Suggs, missed his third consecutive game due to a back strain.
The game was a tightly contested affair, with both teams trading leads throughout. Orlando’s ability to capitalize on second-chance opportunities, exemplified by Carter Jr.’s game-winning putback, proved to be the difference.
The Magic’s win underscores their emergence as a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference, while the Lakers face questions about their consistency and ability to compete with the league’s top teams.
