ORLANDO, Fla. (FSC) – The Orlando Magic came into Tuesday’s game with an eight-win high while the Lakers came in four losses deep.
With Anthony Davis out indefinitely due to a stress injury in his right foot, the Lakers have been leaning heavily on LeBron James. They’re 1-4 since Davis’ injury and have allowed a staggering 124 points in all four losses.
Markelle Fultz (#20) led the Orlando Magic with 16 points against LeBron James and the LA Lakes at Amway Center in Orlando, Tuesday, December 27, 2022. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News
First Half
The Magic started off well, but the Lakers outscored them. The Magic were only 9 of 24 on field goals while the Lakers were 14 of 26. And while the Magic went to the line a whopping 11 times, they went 7 of 11 on free throws.
With 5:19 left in the first quarter, Coach Mosley subbed in Wendell Carter Jr. and Cole Anthony for Bol Bol and Mo Wagner. Carter and Markelle Fultz each led the Magic scoring with seven points and Fultz contributed two rebounds and one assist in the quarter.
James chose to play more of a supporting role in the first half. Patrick Beverley in scoring for L.A. in the first quarter with nine points and Westbrook followed with six. James contributed four himself in the first quarter.
The Lakers led 33-27 by the end of the first quarter.
The Lakers outscored the Magic in the second quarter as well, netting 32 points to Orlando’s 28. While the Magic more of their shots in the second quarter (12 of 23 to LA’s 10 of 19), the Lakers bested them in rebounds, pulling the ball from the rim 12 times to Orlando’s eight. Lonnie Walker IV, James and Thomas Bryant each netted eight points for the Lakers in the second quarter. While Westbrook didn’t score in the quarter, he contributed five rebounds and three assists.
The Lakers widened their lead to ten points by halftime, 65-55.
LeBron James (#6) led the Los Angeles Lakes with 28 points against the Orlando at Amway Center in Orlando, Tuesday, December 27, 2022. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News
Second Half
As expected, LeBron James took a more proactive role in the second half. On the plus side, his aggression also awakened the Magic a bit as well. He scored 12 points in the third quarter alone.
With 7:45 left in the third, Bol Bol came alive, knocking a Laker shot aside and making a shot of his own on the other end of the court.
While the Magic got 28 points in the third to LA’s 27, the Magic lagged by nine total at the end of the third quarter, 92-83.
Overall, the Magic’s biggest weakness was lack of defense. In fact, Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley said postgame that “there was none.” Markelle Fultz said they allowed the Lakers transition shots, which the Magic knew would be an issue.
The Lakers definitively defeated the Magic 129-110.
The Magic headed out immediately following the postgame press conference to fly out to Detroit, whom they face Wednesday night.
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By Florida Sports Channel Staff: news@FloridaSportsChannel.com