What Happened
In a closely contested game on Tuesday, the Los Angeles Lakers fell to the Orlando Magic, 110-109, marking the first time this season that the Lakers lost after leading at the end of the third quarter. The decisive moment came when Wendell Carter Jr. scored a putback layup following a missed jumper from Paolo Banchero with just 6.7 seconds remaining.
Why It Matters
The Lakers had maintained a lead for most of the game, including a 12-point advantage during the second and third quarters. However, the Magic’s strong performance in the fourth quarter, highlighted by significant contributions from Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane, allowed them to close the gap and ultimately secure the win. The Lakers struggled with second-chance opportunities, as the Magic capitalized on 13 offensive rebounds to score 15 points.
What’s Next
Looking ahead, the Lakers (34-22) will need to regroup as they prepare for their next matchup against the Magic (30-26) on February 24, 2026. The game will be broadcast on SportsNet LA and FDSFL, with tip-off scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET at the Crypto.com Arena. Both teams are dealing with injuries, with key players like Jaxson Hayes for the Lakers and Franz Wagner for the Magic sidelined.
