The LA Lakers were reeling after opening a stretch of 6 out of 7 games on the road with four straight loses entering their match against the Magic at Amway Center in Orlando. They came to Orlando dominating the game from the start with a 129-110 win.

The bottom dwelling Lakers hasn’t had the best season so far with injuries to key players taking its toll. Center Anthony Davis has been out since December 16 while their top player Lebron just got back from an injury himself.

The Magic aren’t exactly the easy pass they needed to overcome their rough patch. Coming into this match up, the Magic have been playing better basketball and their defense, number four in the league, have been carrying them to an 8-2 win-loss record in their last 10 games.

The Lakers led all throughout the game but couldn’t close down the Magic. It was a 9 point game at the end of the 3rd quarter with the Magic missing 9 free throws. Magic leading scorer Paolo Banchero who is averaging 21 points a game was limited to 4 points on 1-6 shooting. 

The Lakers finally clamped down on defense and took it to the paint in the final quarter of the game, outshooting the Magic 37-27 in the fourth quarter and sent the home crowd early.

Lebron James in only his third game back after an injury had 28 points 5 assists and 7 rebounds. Russell Westbrook added another triple double in his career with 15 points 13 assists and 13 rebounds to get the Lakers back on track. 

Westbrook’s teams have won 75 percent of their games when he has a triple double. He overtook Oscar Robertson last year against the Atlanta Hawks with the most triple doubles in the history of the game.

Shooting guard Markelle Fultz scored 16 points to lead six Magic players in double figures.

The Lakers continue their road trip to Miami tomorrow 830 am Philippine time.

Photo Courtesy LA Lakers IG