Paolo Banchero Upsets Lakers
Paolo Banchero dropped 36 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists in an upset win over the Lakers on February 25. The performance was part of what social media called the Lakers' back-to-back demoralizing losses, with DeAndre Ayton outshining both LeBron and Luka while shooting 8-11 from the field.
- The 110-109 loss for the Lakers was sealed when LeBron James missed a fallaway 3-point attempt at the buzzer. The final play was drawn up for Luka Dončić, who was open but hesitated and passed to James instead. - Orlando's Wendell Carter Jr. scored the game-winning putback with just 6.7 seconds remaining in the game. Carter Jr. finished the game with 20 points and 11 rebounds. - Paolo Banchero's 36-point performance marked his best scoring effort since January 26, when he scored 37 against the Cavaliers. The double-double was his 17th of the season, setting a new career high. - The loss dropped the Lakers to a 4-4 record on a disappointing eight-game homestand and marked their fourth loss in the last six games. This skid has seen them fall to sixth place in the Western Conference standings. - Despite the Lakers' loss, Luka Dončić recorded 22 points, 15 assists, and 9 rebounds, narrowly missing a triple-double. - The Orlando Magic overcame a 12-point deficit to secure the victory, their fourth consecutive win against the Lakers. The win also brought the Magic to within a half-game of sixth place in the Eastern Conference. - This was the Lakers' first loss of the season when leading after three quarters. - Orlando won the possession battle, outrebounding the Lakers 47 to 39, including 12 offensive rebounds to the Lakers' 7.
