After an embarrassing loss to the Boston Celtics, the Lakers (34-22) aim to bounce back on Tuesday when they take on the Orlando Magic (30-26) at home. This game will conclude their nine-game home stand.
Start time and TV schedule
Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Orlando Magic
When: 7:30 p.m. PT, Feb. 24
Where: Crypto.com Arena
Watch: Spectrum Sportsnet
On Sunday, a day the Lakers celebrated the legend that is Pat Riley, they were run out of the gym courtesy of Payton Pritchard and the Celtics. It was disappointing and, frankly, unacceptable. Losing to an opponent, an arch-rival no less, without their franchise player was a reminder that this team has its limitations.
Sure, the referees may have impacted the Lakers’ performance throughout the game, but that’s still not a good enough excuse. Great teams find a way to win basketball games despite not having the friendly whistle and the Lakers showed that they weren’t that on Sunday. They lost the offensive possession and rebounding battle while their defense couldn’t contain an elite offense either. On top of that, they complained to the referees more than people do to customer service.
This begs the question: Have the Lakers already reached their ceiling? Is it a mistake to hope that they have another gear to get into that will propel them to make a deep run in the playoffs? Is it wrong to hope that they do? Because it’s losses like Sunday’s that really sting, even if they manage to win their next couple of games.
It’s frustrating that they’re now 11-14 against teams above .500 this season. They have enough time to improve, but it won’t change the fact that they are what they are at this point. Their ceiling has been reached and we’re all just here for the ride.
So, what’s next?
At least, this ride involves watching this team perform very well against mediocre teams and that’s what the Magic are. Not to undermine how good they can be but the Magic have underperformed for most of the season. Part of that is due to injuries, but also because they’re a below-average offensive team. They don’t rebound the ball so well nor do they shoot great from the 3-point arc. The Lakers’ defense should be able to capitalize.
Although Orlando has its flaws offensively, Los Angeles should still be wary Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane. With Franz Wagner out due to an ankle injury, Banchero and Bane will certainly have a ton of touches, and the Lakers have to make sure that neither of them dominates. It’s vital that Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and LeBron James get their offense rolling, which didn’t happen against the Celtics.
One way the Lakers could push their ceiling is to get their role players to perform at a high level consistently. Can they get that from Rui Hachimura, DeAndre Ayton, Jake Laravia, Marcus Smart and others for the next 26 games leading up to the playoffs? They should be able to outperform the Magic’s supporting cast.
Maybe the Lakers figure out something this late into the season that could perhaps impact their ceiling. Here’s to hoping that they do. In the meantime, the fairest expectation is for them to win their upcoming game against the Magic. So let’s see if they can do that on Tuesday.
Notes and Updates
- For the Lakers’ injury report, Jaxson Hayes is listed as doubtful with a right ankle sprain after exiting Sunday’s game.
- As for the Magic, Jalen Suggs is questionable with a back strain. As mentioned, Wagner is out.
You can follow Nicole on Twitter at @nicoleganglani.