Lakers Make Cross-Country Trek To Tangle With Magic
The Los Angeles Lakers take on the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on Saturday evening.

The Lakers (8-6) got the LeBron James era off to a rocky start, but recently, it's looked like business as usual for The King in his new digs. Los Angeles has rattled off four straight wins -- and six of seven overall -- heading into Saturday's game. Their most recent success was against one of the Western Conference's elite, as they toppled the Portland Trail Blazers by a 126-117 score on Wednesday night. James took over the game in vintage fashion and led the way with 44 points, a total he supplemented with 10 rebounds, nine assists, three blocks and one steal. JaVale McGee turned in 20 points, four rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Brandon Ingram registered 17 points, four assists, two rebounds and one steal. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope supplied 13 points to lead the bench, while Lonzo Ball managed 11 points and six rebounds.

The Lakers will be without Rajon Rondo (hand), as the veteran fractured his third right metacarpal during Wednesday's game.

The Magic (7-8) got their season off to an unsightly 4-7 start, but they'll come into Saturday's contest having won three of their past four games. Their most recent victory was one of their most notable, as they edged the Philadelphia 76ers by a 111-106 score on Wednesday night, spoiling Jimmy Butler's debut. Nikola Vucevic spearheaded Orlando with 30 points, a total he supplemented with eight rebounds, four assists and two steals. Aaron Gordon produced 17 points, six rebounds, six assists, two blocks and one steal. Terrance Ross poured in 15 points to lead the bench, while also adding six rebounds. Jonathon Simmons posted 12 points, while Wesley Iwundu tallied 11.

The Magic will come into Saturday's contest at full health, with the exception of Timofey Mozgov (knee), who's yet to play this season.

The two clubs split their two-game season series during the 2017-18 campaign.
Posted on: 11/16/2018 9:58 PM
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