Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic host LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers as they take on a reeling Lakers team in the midst of their own winning streak.

This is all to say, the Magic are playing at a much quicker pace and getting into their offense faster and more effectively in the last 10 games. The Lakers are 26th in the league shooting 33.5 percent from deep. Whoever hits their threes is going to be the team that wins the game. Going deeper, the Lakers have just a -0.4 net rating with James on the floor (they are -2.0 overall). He is a force to be reckoned with and someone who defenses have to have their entire attention on — even if his teammeates struggle to give him the help he needs. But in the last 10 games (where Orlando is 8-2), the team is up to 14th in the league at 99.9 possessions per 48 minutes. The Lakers are always going to bring the eyeballs and a certain amount of attention. And during this winning stretch, the Magic are playing at a much healthier pace. The Magic were struggling to play with the speed and intensity they wanted. The Lakers are struggling to find lineups and the Magic’s size should give them problems. The Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Lakers could not be going in more opposite directions right now. The Los Angeles Lakers are always a big game.

LeBron James had 28 points and Russell Westbrook contributed a triple-double to help the Lakers stop a four-game losing streak with a win over the Magic.

No matter what James said or the Lakers did, they were always going to be way smaller than the team they were playing Tuesday night. It’s Westbrook’s third triple-double this season off the bench, tying him with Detlef Schrempf for most ever. [loss to Dallas](https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2022-12-25/los-angeles-lakers-dallas-mavericks-christmas-day-nba-game-recap).

Jeremy Brener: Obviously Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson are big names that can change their franchise, but the Magic feel really good about their ...

That Lakers pick is seen as one of the most valuable assets in the league at the moment, and to trade that for two role players off the bench wouldn't be worth LA's investment. He would give the team a guard that can take care of the ball and distribute it properly. Lakers play small and have been ice cold as of late. In fact, I think the Lakers would say no first. They are two major pieces to the future and it isn't worth harming a season of critical development for a chance at someone who may be better. Very skilled for a man of his size and complements Paolo and Franz really well. And in a deep draft like this one, they'll be getting a good amount of talent to complement their stars. He's been so fun to watch this season and he's developed some shooting range to his game. About 7'2" and can handle the ball like a guard. The Magic should win, but given the starry names in this year's draft, should they even want to? The Lakers are so small Jeremy Brener: Obviously Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson are big names that can change their franchise, but the Magic feel really good about their frontcourt pairing of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.

Analyzing Tuesday's Los Angeles Lakers at Orlando Magic odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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Running up against Los Angeles Lakers like LeBron James and Russell Westbrook, the Orlando Magic were beaten Tuesday night.

“You have to give the Lakers a ton of credit. Magic: The crowd of 19,482 was the largest ever for a Magic home game. ... The Magic and Lakers have split their last 28 meetings. “I feel like we weren't playing basketball at the end of the day, we were just out there,” Fultz said. Lonnie Walker IV scored eight points during a 10-1 run late in the first half that lifted the Lakers to a 16-point lead. “It was a huge stretch, not having Paolo on the floor” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said. ... F Juan Toscano-Anderson missed a 10th game with a right ankle sprain, but Ham said he is “extremely close” to being activated. “I'm a hooper,” Westbrook said. ... I know it’s been hard at times, but kudos to him for doing everything that was asked of him in that role.” Thomas Bryant added 21 points and 10 rebounds for the Lakers, who shot 54.4% from the field. It’s about him being able to bring a counter punch, a new extra wave off the bench. They won eight of their last nine and they beat Boston twice.”

The Orlando Magic have been on the wrong side of a one-way rivalry with the Los Angeles Lakers and are hoping to record their first win since Jan. 15 of 2020.

- Mar 08, 2016 - Los Angeles 107 vs. - Mar 07, 2018 - Los Angeles 108 vs. - Mar 28, 2021 - Los Angeles 96 vs. [NBA picks](https://www.sportsline.com/nba/picks/#ttag=SL19_lk_cbssports_nba_htw) for every single game, including this one, from SportsLine's advanced computer model. Los Angeles was down 94-75 at the end of the third quarter, which was just too much to recover from. Regional restrictions may apply.) We'll see if they can patch up the holes in their defense before their upcoming contest. Allowing an average of 118 points per game, the Lakers haven't exactly asserted themselves on the defensive end. The Orlando Magic have been on the wrong side of a one-way rivalry with the Los Angeles Lakers and are hoping to record their first win since Jan. The Magic are the favorite in this one, with an expected 4-point margin of victory. Orlando will take on Los Angeles at 7 p.m. LBJ's night made it seven games in a row in which he has scored at least 30 points.

The Orlando Magic came back down to earth after winning eight of their last nine games in a frustrating loss to the Lakers where LeBron James and Russell ...

However, he was not good in one on one situations in the post and the wing. He was solid in the paint but inefficient from everywhere else. He was responsible for 24 points and was great at finding the open man. Wagner was very efficient from all three levels of scoring and even hit all 5 of his free throws which the Magic struggled with. He needs to be more aware when he needs to help, box out, and be a force in the paint. Fultz since coming back from injury has played really well and continued that in this game on both sides of the floor. They made their living there as the Magic struggled to keep the Lakers on the perimeter. The Magic fell behind early and struggled to keep up with a Lakers team that was suddenly inspired to score. The Lakers outrebounded the Magic 46-37. the Magic struggled to get inside the paint. Those were critical points left on the board that would have helped the Magic stay in the game and eventually come back. The Magic struggled to shoot early and found themselves in a hole.

Analyzing Wednesday's Orlando Magic at Detroit Pistons odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Magic will attempt to get back on track when they visit the Pistons on Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET.

Luckily, we have a chance (against the Pistons) to redeem ourselves and prove ourselves otherwise.” So, he can look back and reflect on these situations and we can look back and reflect on these situations as a team to continue to get better.” IN AND OUT: Orlando’s injury report remains the same. “We’ve got to pride ourselves on the defensive end and really lock into the game plan especially when we have something on the game plan that we know a team is very good at,” said point guard Markelle Fultz. Every game he will get better and better. Every film session he will get better and better. KEY STATS: Before a missed free throw against the Lakers, Moe Wagner had made 39 consecutive shots from the charity stripe dating back to Dec. “We definitely have to lock into that and execute the game plan. The Magic know all too well the dangers that the Pistons present after falling to Detroit in their season opener, 113-109. Clippers, eight Pistons players scored in double figures led by Bojan Bogdanovic, who also just happened to be his squad’s leading scorer against Orlando back on opening night. “Understand this is one of those moments that it may not have gone great for the numbers wise, but these are lessons to learn, and these are the experiences that all young players are going to have to go through. Lakers team, which handed Orlando its first home loss after five straight victories within the friendly confines of Amway Center.