The Lakers found themselves facing a familiar test on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena against a young, physical and big Magic squad – the type of team that’s given them troubles before.
And the Lakers were overpowered, leading to their 110-109 loss after Wendell Carter Jr.’s game-winning putback layup with seven seconds left.
The Lakers had a chance to win, but Luka Doncic passed up a deep 3-point attempt before passing the ball to LeBron James, who missed an errant 3 before the game’s final buzzer.
“I know I was open, but I just thought I was a little bit far,” Doncic said. “Tried to take one dribble closer. And I probably shouldn’t have picked up the just tried to attack.”
Doncic finished with 22 points, 15 assists and nine rebounds for a near triple-double, but shot 8 of 24 from the field.
Deandre Ayton had his first 20-point game in nearly a month, finishing with 21 points and 13 rebounds.
LeBron James added 21 points, six rebounds and four assists, while Austin Reaves had 18 points (6-of-16 shooting) after a slow start.
Desmond Bane (22 points, six assists) and Wendell Carter Jr. (20 points, 12 rebounds) were among the Magic players who scored at least 20 points.
The loss ended the Lakers’ streak of victories after having a lead going into the fourth quarter. The Lakers entered Tuesday 25-0 after starting the fourth with a lead.
The Lakers fell to 34-23 on the season, suffering back-to-back losses for the second time in the last six games.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
