The Los Angeles Lakers commenced a four-game road journey following a thrilling overtime victory against the L.A. Clippers, which commenced with a rematch against the Orlando Magic.

Nevertheless, the Lakers were defeated by the Magic, who secured a 120-101 triumph to sabotage the beginning of Los Angeles’ road journey.

LeBron James contributed to Los Angeles’s encouraging start against the undermanned Orlando squad by accumulating five fast points in order to establish an early 7-4 advantage. Franz Wagner led the Magic to a 9-0 run in response, but Anthony Davis seized the initiative to halt their momentum and draw the game at 20.

On the contrary, Orlando ignited from the field and closed the gap at 33-20 with a 13-0 surge. Despite a three-pointer by Christian Wood halting the run, Los Angeles would finish the first quarter trailing 39-25.

The Lakers narrowed the Magic’s lead in the second period with a 10-2 run after James returned to the court. Orlando regained some control of the game with a comeback as Los Angeles struggled to maintain possession of the basketball.

The Magic responded to James’s exit from the game with another run that restored their 16-point lead. Los Angeles repeatedly failed to corral defensive rebounds, allowing Orlando to score on numerous second-chance opportunities and trailing 67-51 at halftime. The Magic had 26 second-chance points compared to the Lakers’ seven in the first half alone.

Wagner and Paolo Banchero continued to torment the Los Angeles defense, despite the Lakers’ attempt to re-enter the contest via paint-based scoring. Despite being in foul trouble and trailing by double digits, Davis was able to rally Los Angeles back into the game.

Regardless of how often the Lakers attempted to overcome the deficit, the Magic always had a response ready and maintained game control. Los Angeles simply could not capitalize on several open opportunities to score and entered the fourth period trailing 101-80.

Darvin Ham decided to start the fourth quarter with his regulars in an attempt to stage a revival, but his squad had no defensive answers for Orlando. James successfully guided the Laker offense out of a predicament by making difficult baskets, attempting to inspire the team to make one more run as the deficit was reduced to 15.

Los Angeles maintained a striking distance while Orlando struggled on both ends to generate pressure. Cole Anthony, however, halted their comeback with a three-pointer that compelled Ham to return to his sideline and concede defeat.