Franz Wagner leads Orlando Magic to victory over the Lakers
- Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero led the Orlando Magic to a decisive win against the Los Angeles Lakers.
- The Lakers have now lost their third game in a row and seven of their last 10.
- The Magic's performance signifies a crucial turnaround as they attempt to solidify their playoff position.
On March 24, 2025, in Orlando, Florida, the Orlando Magic faced the Los Angeles Lakers in an NBA matchup. The Magic emerged victorious with a score of 118-106, marking the Lakers' third consecutive loss. Franz Wagner was a standout performer for the Magic, contributing 32 points and eight assists, while Paolo Banchero added 30 points and seven rebounds. Despite having their full roster back, including LeBron James, who scored 24 points, the Lakers struggled defensively, particularly in the third quarter where they were outscored 34-18. The loss continued a troubling trend for Los Angeles, having dropped seven of their last 10 games. The Lakers were unable to maintain their defensive intensity throughout the game, a factor that was highlighted by both their coach and players. Following their losing streak, the Lakers are tied for fourth place in the Western Conference, while the Magic climbed to eighth place in the Eastern Conference despite previously having a six-game home losing streak.