In a thrilling matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers, the Orlando Magic managed to assert themselves and secure a much-needed victory, beating the Lakers 118-106 on Monday night, March 24, 2025. The win not only ended a six-game home losing streak for Orlando but also marked a crucial step in their efforts to qualify for the NBA playoffs this season.
Leading the charge for the Magic were recent breakout stars Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero. Wagner showcased his remarkable talent by scoring 32 points and dishing out eight assists, while Banchero closely followed him, contributing with 30 points and seven rebounds. Their exceptional performances came at a critical time, as Orlando aims to elevate its standings in the Eastern Conference.
The Lakers, on the other hand, struggled in this contest, marking their third consecutive loss. Star players Luka Doncic and LeBron James put forth commendable efforts, with Doncic scoring 32 points and James tallying 24 points alongside eight assists. However, it wasn’t enough to lift the Lakers, who now find themselves tied for fourth place in the Western Conference with a record of 43-28.
A key moment in the game arrived when the Lakers narrowed a 17-point Magic lead down to just seven points late in the fourth quarter. In response, Wagner and Banchero came together to score ten decisive points, effectively sealing the victory with a 110-98 lead with just over three minutes remaining. The game highlighted the improvement of the Magic, who have notably struggled this season despite being the lowest-scoring team in the league.
On a busy night full of action, the Magic managed to outperform expectations by shooting an impressive 49.4% from the field, making 15 three-pointers, and committing only nine turnovers throughout the game. This efficient performance helped them to remain relevant in the playoff race as they currently sit in the eighth position within the Eastern Conference with a record of 34-38.
As the season progresses, Banchero’s importance to the Magic cannot be understated. The former No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft has been putting together an impressive season, averaging 25.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. With a four-year contract worth $50 million that runs until the end of the 2025-26 season, Banchero is not only a player fans are excited about but also a foundational piece for the future of the franchise.
Leading up to this essential game, the Magic honored former All-Star center Dwight Howard, who was inducted into the Magic's Hall of Fame. This event transpired before the Magic and Lakers faced off, adding a layer of history to an already compelling matchup. Howard took the opportunity to share a heartfelt message with current Magic star Banchero, advising, “Shoutout to all the Magic fans... Paolo, don't leave them, man. Don't leave them.” These words resonate deeply with fans who remember Howard's departure for what he perceived as greener pastures, a decision that still stings for many in Orlando.
The Magic will be looking to build on this momentum as they head into their next game against the Charlotte Hornets on March 25, 2025. Orlando fans are hopeful that Banchero and Wagner can continue this level of performance, helping to push the team closer to solidifying a playoff position.
The road ahead won’t be easy as the Magic navigate through the remaining games of the season, but with the combination of their recent victory against the Lakers and the promise shown by their young stars, there is renewed optimism within the organization. The upcoming weeks will be telling as they attempt to close in on a playoff berth, with every game counting more than ever as the season reaches its crescendo. Consequently, as Howard suggested, it’s crucial for Banchero to commit to this journey with the Magic, ensuring that their fans have a bright future to look forward to.
