Lakers Edge Magic in Thrilling Finish
Saturday, March 21, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Kia Center
Los Angeles Lakers 105, Orlando Magic 104, final. Today's NBA pick is already sealed, as a hash, before kickoff.
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Quick answers
Who won Los Angeles Lakers vs Orlando Magic?
Los Angeles Lakers beat Orlando Magic 105-104 at Kia Center on March 21, 2026.
Who was favored in Los Angeles Lakers vs Orlando Magic?
Los Angeles Lakers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -155 (about 61% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested game, the Los Angeles Lakers narrowly defeated the Orlando Magic with a final score of 105-104 at the Kia Center. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as it marked the third meeting between the two teams in the current season, with the Lakers having won all previous encounters, including a close 110-109 victory on February 25, 2026. The series is now tied at 1-1, making this game crucial for both teams as they vie for playoff positioning.
The Lakers entered the game with a strong away record of 46-25 and were riding an impressive eight-game winning streak, having averaged 120.8 points scored and 113.0 points allowed over their last ten games. Their recent form included a victory against the Miami Heat just a day prior, where they won 134-126. Conversely, the Magic, with a home record of 38-32, had struggled recently, losing their last three games and averaging 117.6 points scored while allowing 123.0 points in their last five outings.
In terms of home versus away performance, the Magic had a solid home record of 4-1 in their last five games but faced a tough challenge against the Lakers, who boasted a perfect 6-0 record in their last six home games. Despite their recent struggles, the Magic had shown they could score, averaging 120.6 points at home, but their defense had been leaky, allowing an average of 114.3 points.
The injury report for the Magic included three players listed as day-to-day: Franz Wagner (calf), Izaiyah Nelson (ankle), and Jonathan Isaac (knee). Their status could significantly impact the team's performance, particularly in a close game like this one.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Lakers favored by 2.5 points, with a total set at 234.5. The odds reflected the Lakers' strong form and recent success against the Magic. The home moneyline for the Magic was set at +130, while the away moneyline for the Lakers was -155, indicating a belief in the Lakers' ability to secure the win.
Conditions during the game were competitive, with both teams showcasing their offensive capabilities. The fourth quarter was particularly intense, featuring several lead changes and clutch plays. Paolo Banchero of the Magic made a driving layup to put his team ahead 100-97, but the Lakers responded with a 7-foot pullup jump shot from Luka Doncic. Wendell Carter Jr. then hit a jumper, and Banchero added two free throws to extend the Magic's lead to 104-99.
However, the Lakers were not to be outdone. Austin Reaves made a driving layup to bring the score to 104-101, and Deandre Ayton added a free throw to narrow the gap further. The decisive moment came when Luke Kennard hit a 24-foot three-point jumper, giving the Lakers a 105-104 lead, which they held onto until the final buzzer.
Fans watching this game were treated to a showcase of skill and determination, with both teams fighting hard for every point. The close scoreline highlighted the competitive nature of the matchup, and the performances of key players like Banchero and Kennard were pivotal in determining the outcome. Overall, this game not only added to the rivalry between the Lakers and Magic but also showcased the high stakes as both teams push towards the playoffs.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | LAL -2.5 | 234.5 o -108 / u -112 | Los Angeles Lakers -155 · Orlando Magic +130 |
Injury report
- Franz WagnerDay-To-DayCalfOrlando Magic
- Izaiyah NelsonDay-To-DayAnkleOrlando Magic
- Jonathan IsaacDay-To-DayKneeOrlando Magic
Leaders
- PointsPaolo Banchero16Orlando Magic
- AssistsPaolo Banchero6Orlando Magic
- ReboundsWendell Carter Jr.9Orlando Magic
- PointsLuka Doncic33Los Angeles Lakers
- AssistsLuka Doncic8Los Angeles Lakers
- ReboundsDeandre Ayton12Los Angeles Lakers
Recent form
Orlando Magic
Last 10: 7-3Streak L3120.6 scored · 114.3 allowed per game4-1 at home
- L111-130at Charlotte HornetsMar 19
- L108-113vs Oklahoma City ThunderMar 17
- L112-124at Atlanta HawksMar 16
- W121-117at Miami HeatMar 15
- W136-131vs Washington WizardsMar 12
- W128-122vs Cleveland CavaliersMar 11
- W130-91at Milwaukee BucksMar 9
- W119-92at Minnesota TimberwolvesMar 7
- W115-114vs Dallas MavericksMar 6
- W126-109vs Washington WizardsMar 4
Los Angeles Lakers
Last 10: 9-1Streak W8120.8 scored · 113 allowed per game3-1 away
- W134-126at Miami HeatMar 20
- W124-116at Houston RocketsMar 19
- W100-92at Houston RocketsMar 17
- W127-125vs Denver NuggetsMar 15
- W142-130vs Chicago BullsMar 13
- W120-106vs Minnesota TimberwolvesMar 11
- W110-97vs New York KnicksMar 8
- W128-117vs Indiana PacersMar 7
- L113-120at Denver NuggetsMar 6
- W110-101vs New Orleans PelicansMar 4
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LA Lakers | - | 29 | W3 | .646 | 53 |
| Phoenix | 8 | 37 | W1 | .549 | 45 |
| LA Clippers | 11 | 40 | W1 | .512 | 42 |
| Golden State | 16 | 45 | L3 | .451 | 37 |
| Sacramento | 31 | 60 | L1 | .268 | 22 |
| Atlanta | - | 36 | L1 | .561 | 46 |
| Orlando | 1 | 37 | L1 | .549 | 45 |
| Charlotte | 2 | 38 | W1 | .537 | 44 |
| Miami | 3 | 39 | W2 | .524 | 43 |
| Washington | 29 | 65 | L10 | .207 | 17 |
Box score
| Stat | Los Angeles Lakers | Orlando Magic |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 39-87 | 36-83 |
| Field goal % | 45 | 43 |
| Three-pointers | 8-32 | 11-37 |
| Three-point % | 25 | 30 |
| Free throws | 19-29 | 21-23 |
| Free throw % | 66 | 91 |
| Rebounds | 43 | 42 |
| Offensive rebounds | 14 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 29 | 30 |
| Assists | 19 | 27 |
| Steals | 11 | 9 |
| Blocks | 6 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 16 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 2 |
| Technical fouls | 2 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 2 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 18 | 22 |
| Fast-break points | 19 | 11 |
| Points in the paint | 52 | 36 |
| Fouls | 20 | 27 |
| Largest lead | 14 | 7 |
| Lead changes | 10 | 10 |
| Time in front | 39 | 56 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter74-70LeBron James makes 2-foot layup (Austin Reaves assists)
- 3rd Quarter75-70LeBron James makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter76-70LeBron James makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter78-70LeBron James makes running layup (Luka Doncic assists)
- 3rd Quarter78-72Desmond Bane makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter78-73Paolo Banchero makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter78-74Paolo Banchero makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter78-76Jalen Suggs makes 14-foot running pullup jump shot
- 3rd Quarter79-76Luka Doncic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter79-78Jalen Suggs makes driving layup (Jett Howard assists)
- 3rd Quarter79-80Wendell Carter Jr. makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter79-81Wendell Carter Jr. makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter81-81Luke Kennard makes driving layup (Luka Doncic assists)
- 3rd Quarter81-82Goga Bitadze makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter81-85Jevon Carter makes 24-foot three point jumper (Goga Bitadze assists)
- 3rd Quarter82-85Luka Doncic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter82-87Jevon Carter makes 15-foot turnaround jump shot (Desmond Bane assists)
- 4th Quarter82-89Desmond Bane makes driving layup (Goga Bitadze assists)
- 4th Quarter84-89Jaxson Hayes makes alley oop dunk (LeBron James assists)
- 4th Quarter86-89Jaxson Hayes makes layup (LeBron James assists)
- 4th Quarter88-89Austin Reaves makes 10-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter88-91Jamal Cain makes 15-foot pullup jump shot (Wendell Carter Jr. assists)
- 4th Quarter90-91Austin Reaves makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter91-91Austin Reaves makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter92-91Austin Reaves makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter92-93Wendell Carter Jr. makes 1-foot dunk (Jalen Suggs assists)
- 4th Quarter92-94Wendell Carter Jr. makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter95-94Austin Reaves makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter95-96Wendell Carter Jr. makes 15-foot jumper (Jalen Suggs assists)
- 4th Quarter95-97Paolo Banchero makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter95-98Paolo Banchero makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter97-98LeBron James makes driving layup (Luka Doncic assists)
- 4th Quarter97-100Paolo Banchero makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter99-100Luka Doncic makes 7-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter99-102Wendell Carter Jr. makes 16-foot jumper (Paolo Banchero assists)
- 4th Quarter99-103Paolo Banchero makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter99-104Paolo Banchero makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter101-104Austin Reaves makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter102-104Deandre Ayton makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter105-104Luke Kennard makes 24-foot three point jumper (Marcus Smart assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Orlando Magic, below favours Los Angeles Lakers.
Venue
- Kia CenterOrlando, FL
- Attendance19597
- OfficialsMarat Kogut, Marc Davis, Sean Corbin
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