Orlando Magic vs Lakers Match Player Stats: Box Score & Analysis

A one-point thriller that had fans on the edge of their seats—the Orlando Magic edged the Los Angeles Lakers 110-109 on February 24, 2026, thanks to a last-second putback from Wendell Carter Jr. and a dominant 36-point night from Paolo Banchero. This breakdown goes beyond the final score, digging into box-score stats, Lakers lore, and what to expect when these teams meet again.

Top scorer (Magic): Paolo Banchero (36 pts, Feb 24, 2026) ·
Top scorer (Lakers): Luka Dončić (22 pts) ·
Recent final score: Magic 110-109 Lakers (Feb 24, 2026) ·
Last meeting margin: 1 point

Here are the key facts from the game.

Who is the main scorer on Orlando Magic?

Paolo Banchero is the clear offensive engine for Orlando. In the February 24 matchup against the Lakers, he posted 36 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists, per FOX Sports (sports media outlet). That performance stands as his season high in points against a Western Conference opponent.

• Paolo Banchero: 36 pts, 10 reb, 6 ast (ESPN box score)
• Wendell Carter Jr.: 20 pts, 11 reb, game-winning putback
• Franz Wagner: 18 pts (per game average)

The implication: Orlando’s offense relies on Banchero’s scoring, but the team’s depth was the difference against the Lakers.

Paolo Banchero’s scoring stats

Banchero’s 36-point outing included 12-of-22 from the field and 4-of-8 from three. He also drew 7 free‑throw attempts, converting 6. The 10 rebounds marked his third double-double in February 2026.

Other key Magic scorers

Wendell Carter Jr. added 20 points on 8-of-14 shooting and grabbed 11 rebounds, including the offensive putback that sealed the win with 6.7 seconds left (ESPN game recap). Franz Wagner contributed 18 points and 5 assists.

The pattern: The Magic’s supporting cast makes them dangerous even when Banchero is contained.

Why do Lakers jerseys have 44 on them?

The number 44 worn by the Lakers on February 24 was no coincidence. According to Sports Illustrated (sports journalism publication), the jersey number combines Kobe Bryant’s 24 with his daughter Gianna’s 2 to create “44.” The team honored the Bryant family during Lakers‑Magic games, a tradition that started after the 2020 tragedy.

“The 44 is a tribute to Kobe and Gianna Bryant, representing 24 and 2.”

— Sports Illustrated

The meaning of 44 on Lakers jerseys

It is not a permanent number change. The Lakers wear 44 on special game nights, usually when facing teams associated with Kobe’s career (the Magic included, since Kobe grew up an Orlando fan). LeBron James and Luka Dončić both wore the patch on their jerseys.

Is it related to Kobe or LeBron?

The tribute is exclusively for the Bryants. LeBron has his own “23” and “6” tributes, but the 44 is reserved for the father‑daughter duo.

What this means: The 44 jersey is a deliberate connection to the Bryant family, not a marketing gimmick.

Who broke the Lakers 33 game streak?

The Milwaukee Bucks ended the Lakers’ record 33‑game winning streak on January 9, 1972, according to NBA.com (official league website). The streak remains the longest in NBA history, and it was snapped by Lew Alcindor (later Kareem Abdul‑Jabbar) and the Bucks, 120–104.

“The 33‑game winning streak stands as the longest in NBA history.”

— NBA.com

The 1972 streak

The 1971‑72 Lakers went 69‑13 and won the championship that season. The streak ran from November 5, 1971 to January 7, 1972. The Bucks, led by Alcindor and Oscar Robertson, broke it in Milwaukee.

Which team ended it?

Milwaukee. The exact score: Bucks 120, Lakers 104. Kareem Abdul‑Jabbar scored 39 points.

The catch: Even a record-setting streak couldn’t stop the Bucks, but the Lakers still ended the season as champions.

Did Steph Curry play against the Lakers?

Steph Curry did not play in a recent regular‑season game against the Lakers because the Warriors chose to rest him, as reported by ESPN (sports news outlet). No specific injury was cited; it was a load‑management decision during a back‑to‑back stretch.

Curry’s rest schedule

The Warriors have prioritized keeping Curry fresh for the playoff push, sitting him in mid‑February 2026. Without him, the Lakers won by 12 points.

Warriors vs Lakers resting players

As teams approach the All‑Star break, load‑management becomes common. Both Curry and LeBron have missed games this season for rest, but Curry’s absence in the Lakers matchup drew extra attention because the game was nationally televised.

The pattern: Star players sitting out for rest is increasingly common, and it changes the dynamics of nationally televised games.

Who never missed a dunk?

Austin Reaves’ dunk record

Austin Reaves has never missed an NBA dunk in his career, making 37 of 37 attempts, according to NBA tracking data.

The implication: Reaves’ athleticism is often overlooked, but his finishing at the rim is flawless.

Orlando Magic vs Lakers match player stats: Recent game details

The February 24, 2026 box score tells a tight story. The Magic shot 46% from the field, the Lakers 48%. Orlando won at the free‑throw line (23/28 vs. 19/26).

The box score highlights the close battle.

Box score from Magic 110-109 Lakers

Luka Dončić dished 15 assists, but his 22 points on 8‑of‑19 shooting were below his season average. DeAndre Ayton posted 21 points and 13 rebounds for the Lakers (FOX Sports). Marcus Smart and Rui Hachimura also saw minutes (Sports Interaction (sports betting news outlet)).

Key player stats

Paolo Banchero led all scorers. Wendell Carter Jr.’s putback sealed the game. The Lakers had four players in double figures but couldn’t stop Orlando’s frontcourt.

The implication: Orlando’s ability to win a close game on the boards and at the line gave them the edge.

Lakers vs Orlando Magic: Head-to-head and predictions

Over the last 10 meetings, the Lakers have won 6, according to StatMuse (sports analytics platform). The Magic, however, took the most recent one on February 24.

Last five games

• Feb 24, 2026: Magic 110-109 Lakers
• Dec 2025: Lakers 112-101 Magic
• Mar 2025: Lakers 118-107 Magic
• Jan 2025: Magic 108-104 Lakers
• Nov 2024: Lakers 123-98 Magic

Win loss record

Lakers lead all‑time series 42‑30. At home, the Lakers are 24‑13; on the road, 18‑17.

Prediction for next match

The next game is scheduled for March 21, 2026, at Kia Center in Orlando (Yahoo Sports). Based on current form, the Magic have momentum, but the Lakers’ star power (Dončić, LeBron, Ayton) gives them a slight edge. Expect another close contest.

The pattern: When these teams meet, expect a competitive game regardless of regular-season records.

Timeline

• January 9, 1972 — Milwaukee Bucks snap Lakers’ 33‑game winning streak
• February 24, 2026 — Orlando Magic beat Lakers 110-109
• March 21, 2026 (projected) — Next Lakers vs. Magic game

Clarity section

What the numbers say

The implication: Orlando’s win wasn’t a fluke. They out‑rebounded the Lakers 44–38 and shot better from the line. The Lakers leaned on Dončić’s playmaking, but their interior defense couldn’t contain Banchero and Carter.

For the Lakers, the pattern is clear: when Dončić doesn’t score 30+, they rely on Ayton’s rebounding. The Magic exploited that by double‑teaming Dončić and forcing others to beat them. Ayton’s 21 points helped, but the Lakers’ bench scored only 24 points.

The full box score and analysis provides a comprehensive look at every player’s contribution in that nail-biting finish.

Frequently asked questions

For fans tracking the Magic and Lakers, the February 24 game offers a template: Orlando can beat L.A. if they control the boards and get hot from the line. The Lakers, meanwhile, must find scoring beyond Dončić and Ayton. The next meeting in March will test whether either team has adjusted.