The Los Angeles Lakers went into Saturday night’s matchup with the Orlando Magic as the hottest team in the league, winners of eight straight, including three to start their road trip.
They looked to extend that streak to nine while also getting revenge for their loss to Orlando in L.A. a few weeks ago, and they did exactly that with a 105-104 victory on a game-winner by Luke Kennard.
The game started with LeBron James taking the court in an NBA regular season game for the 1,612th time, breaking a tie with Robert Parish for the most in history. He celebrated accordingly with a breakout dunk to get the Lakers out to a 6-0 lead.
Orlando eventually settled in with back-to-back 3-pointers, but Luka Doncic got going from there. He has been on an absolute tear as of late and continued that with 16 points in the first quarter to give the Lakers a 37-30 lead.
After going up by double digits, the Lakers allowed the Magic to go on a run to tie the game and eventually take the lead. In fact, Orlando went on a 22-2 run with L.A. going ice cold from the field.
Kennard helped end the Lakers’ drought with five straight points and then Doncic returned and had a three-point play. Despite 24 first-half points from Doncic, the Magic benched played really well and gave them a 65-62 lead going into the locker room.
The Lakers opened up the third quarter with five straight points to regain the advantage. They were getting stops, which allowed them to get out in transition where James continues to feast.
Towards the end of the third quarter, Doncic and Goga Bitadze were jawing back and forth and wound up getting double technicals. That was Doncic’s 16th of the season, which means he will be suspended for one game. Meanwhile, the Lakers were struggling on the glass and trailed 87-82 going into the fourth.
Jaxson Hayes was making an impact on both ends of the floor and then Reaves got the Lakers back in front midway through the final quarter.
Both teams were struggling to score, so it remained close late. With the Lakers trailing by three, Doncic missed a step-back triple as he went ice cold after his quick start.
The Lakers then needed to get a stop, and they got one. After a missed triple by Reaves, Deandre Ayton got the offensive rebound and was fouled. Ayton intentionally missed the second free throw, but the Magic got the rebound. They wound up turning the ball over, giving L.A. one more chance down two with four seconds to play.
JJ Redick drew up a perfect play to get Kennard an open look for 3, and he drilled it for the win.
What’s next for the Lakers…
The Lakers will wrap up their road trip on Monday against the Detroit Pistons and Wednesday against the Indiana Pacers, both of which will tip off at 4 p.m. PT.
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