Luka Doncic expressed frustration after the Los Angeles Lakers suffered a 118-106 loss to the Orlando Magic, marking their third straight defeat.
Speaking postgame, Doncic emphasized the need for consistency. “I think we just got to look back at the way we played at that 8-game winning streak. We’re physical. We played hell of a defense. I think we just got a little bit satisfied, we can’t afford that right now,” he said.
The Lakers started strong, building a nine-point lead in the first half, but a dominant third quarter from Orlando shifted the momentum. The Magic outscored Los Angeles 34-18 in the period, capitalizing on defensive lapses and cold shooting.
Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero powered Orlando with a combined 62 points. Wagner finished with 32 points and eight assists, while Banchero added 30 points and seven rebounds to help snap the Magic’s six-game home losing streak.
Doncic, who led the Lakers with 32 points, stressed the importance of playing with intensity for the full game. “And the way we played the first half, we have to play the whole game. The game of basketball isn’t just 24 minutes. It’s got to be all 48,” he added.
LeBron James contributed 24 points and eight assists, while Austin Reaves added 17 points. The Lakers’ struggles continued as they dropped seven of their last 10 games, falling into a tie for fourth place in the Western Conference standings with the idle Memphis Grizzlies.
Anthony Black provided a key spark off the bench for Orlando, finishing with 17 points, five rebounds, and six assists. The Lakers cut a 17-point deficit to seven late in the fourth, but Wagner and Banchero responded with a decisive scoring run.
Orlando shot 49.4% from the field, knocked down 15 three-pointers, and committed just nine turnovers in a well-executed performance. With the loss, Los Angeles faces increased pressure to regain its defensive identity down the stretch.
