Magic Snap Lakers’ Three-Game Winning Streak

Nikola Vucevic tallied 31 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists as the Magic ended their long drought at Staples Center with a 108-104 win over the Lakers. Orlando snapped LA’s three-game winning streak with the victory.

The Lakers jumped out to a 29-19 lead after the first quarter, but Orlando stormed back in the second period. Los Angeles remained in front after LeBron James beat the halftime buzzer with a deep 3, but the Magic would take control in the third quarter.

Orlando outscored LA 35-19 in the third period with Vucevic and Aaron Gordon doing most of the damage. The duo combined for 21 points in the quarter to enter the fourth quarter with an 86-71 lead.

The Lakers stormed back in the final period in an attempt to make a comeback, but Orlando was able to seperate itself in the final minute to secure the win. The Magic halted a two-game losing streak of their own with the win.

James finished with 24 points and seven assists to lead Los Angeles. Kyle Kuzma was hot in the first quarter with 13 points, but finished the game with 21. The Lakers missed 11 free throws in the game, contributing to the defeat.

The Magic have found a way to stay afloat early in the season and are now 10-10 on the season. They sit in the eighth spot in the East in what was expected to be a rebuilding year. Vucevic has propelled Orlando with career numbers, but the Magic have four more road games on their West Coast trip. Those contests will determine whether the team is a playoff contender in the East.