The expectations for the Los Angeles Lakers’ playoff push are high. With Luka Doncic now in the mix, fans are eager to see the Slovenian star shine alongside LeBron James, who recently returned from injury. However, the path to the playoffs is becoming more challenging for the Lakers, and their loss to the Orlando Magic on NBA Monday night was particularly surprising.
While LeBron and Doncic put forth strong performances against the Magic, Orlando’s squad demonstrated that they should not be counted out of the playoff conversation. A major factor in their resurgence was Paolo Banchero’s recovery from an injury that sidelined him earlier in the season. Banchero’s return has given the Magic new life in their playoff quest, which now seems more plausible.
For the Lakers, the required level of play to secure a playoff spot is clear, but their recent loss to the Magic highlighted that relying on just two players can be risky, especially when facing a well-rounded team. Doncic was quick to praise Banchero and Franz Wagner for their stellar performances, calling them one of the league’s special duos.
“They are both great players, that’s the first thing that makes them special. They’re also young, and this team is built around them [the Magic]. You saw how they started the season and faced some bad luck with injuries, but the team is clearly built around those two [Banchero and Wagner],” Doncic said.
Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic drives to the basket against Kevin Knox II #31 of the Golden State Warriors
Doncic reflects on Lakers’ struggles
The Lakers have faced challenges during the regular season, but with their full roster now available for the upcoming matchups, they remain hopeful for a strong comeback. As the playoffs approach, Doncic shared his thoughts on the team’s current struggles and what they need to do to turn things around.
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“I think we just need to look back at the way we played during that 8-game winning streak. We might’ve gotten a little too satisfied with our success. We can’t afford that right now,” Doncic said, emphasizing the urgency for improvement.
With the playoff picture looming, the Lakers will need to perform well in their remaining games to secure a spot in the postseason and avoid the play-in tournament. With tight standings in the Western Conference, any misstep could jeopardize their playoff hopes.
Banchero and Wagner lead Magic over Lakers
To understand what the Magic did to defeat the Lakers on Monday night, we need to look at the standout performances from Banchero and Wagner. Combined, they scored 62 points, securing a crucial victory that keeps the Magic’s NBA playoff hopes alive.
Banchero and Wagner also contributed 12 rebounds and 10 assists between them, showcasing their all-around impact on the game. Alongside their teammates, the Magic demonstrated their potential, and fans are eager to see how far this young team can go as they aim to make a push for the next phase of the NBA season.
