Lakers vs. Magic Preview

In a tightly packed Western Conference, every game matters for the Lakers. Seeds three through seven are separated by three games.

Los Angeles is right in the middle of the mix as they take on the Orlando Magic in their finale of an eight-game home stand.

The two teams are evenly matched in this contest, as both of them are in the middle of the pack as far as offensive and defensive statistics.

Lakers’ Offensive Struggles

The Lakers will look to figure out their offensive woes after scoring just 89 points in their loss to the Boston Celtics on Sunday.

It’s obvious that outside the Lakers’ big three of Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves, scoring is an issue.

Los Angeles needs players like Deandre Ayton, Rui Hachimura, and Jake LaRavia to make some big shots throughout the pace of the game.

Lakers Lack Center Depth

This matchup has all the contributing factors for Deandre Ayton to have a big game.

February hasn’t been good to Ayton so far. Through six games, he’s averaging 8.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks. All numbers that are below his season averages.

Los Angeles will be without Jaxson Hayes as he is sidelined with a left ankle sprain. 

The Lakers will lean on Ayton more heavily. Maxi Kleber and Drew Timme should get an increase in playing time as well.

Stopping Desmond Bane

While Franz Wagner continues to miss games for the Magic while dealing with a high ankle sprain, Desmond Bane has been electric.

Since the start of the month, he is averaging 24.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.7 steals per game while shooting 60.3 percent from the field and 50.9 percent from three.

Keeping Bane uncomfortable while shooting from three should be a priority for Marcus Smart and others who guard him.

Building chemistry should be the main priority for the Lakers moving forward. Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves haven’t played much together this season.

Getting that experience will be key for Los Angeles in the rest of the 2025-26 season.