After an embarrassing loss to the Boston Celtics, the Lakers (34-22) goal to bounce again on Tuesday after they tackle the Orlando Magic (30-26) at residence. This sport will conclude their nine-game residence stand.
Start time and TV schedule
Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Orlando Magic
When: 7:30 p.m. PT, Feb. 24
Watch: Spectrum Sportsnet
On Sunday, a day the Lakers celebrated the legend that’s Pat Riley, they have been run out of the gymnasium courtesy of Payton Pritchard and the Celtics. It was disappointing and, frankly, unacceptable. Losing to an opponent, an arch-rival no much less, with out their franchise participant was a reminder that this crew has its limitations.
Sure, the referees might have impacted the Lakers’ efficiency all through the sport, however that’s nonetheless not a adequate excuse. Great groups discover a option to win basketball video games regardless of not having the pleasant whistle and the Lakers confirmed that they weren’t that on Sunday. They misplaced the offensive possession and rebounding battle whereas their protection couldn’t comprise an elite offense both. On high of that, they complained to the referees greater than individuals do to customer support.
This begs the query: Have the Lakers already reached their ceiling? Is it a mistake to hope that they’ve one other gear to get into that can propel them to make a deep run within the playoffs? Is it mistaken to hope that they do? Because it’s losses like Sunday’s that actually sting, even when they handle to win their subsequent couple of video games.
It’s irritating that they’re now 11-14 in opposition to groups above .500 this season. They have sufficient time to enhance, but it surely received’t change the truth that they’re what they’re at this level. Their ceiling has been reached and we’re all simply right here for the trip.
At least, this trip includes watching this crew carry out very effectively in opposition to mediocre groups and that’s what the Magic are. Not to undermine how good they are often however the Magic have underperformed for a lot of the season. Part of that is because of accidents, but in addition as a result of they’re a below-average offensive crew. They don’t rebound the ball so effectively nor do they shoot nice from the 3-point arc. The Lakers’ protection ought to have the ability to capitalize.
Although Orlando has its flaws offensively, Los Angeles ought to nonetheless be cautious Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane. With Franz Wagner out because of an ankle damage, Banchero and Bane will definitely have a ton of touches, and the Lakers should ensure that neither of them dominates. It’s very important that Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and LeBron James get their offense rolling, which didn’t occur in opposition to the Celtics.
One manner the Lakers may push their ceiling is to get their position gamers to carry out at a excessive stage persistently. Can they get that from Rui Hachimura, DeAndre Ayton, Jake Laravia, Marcus Smart and others for the subsequent 26 video games main as much as the playoffs? They ought to have the ability to outperform the Magic’s supporting forged.
Maybe the Lakers work out one thing this late into the season that would maybe impression their ceiling. Here’s to hoping that they do. In the meantime, the fairest expectation is for them to win their upcoming sport in opposition to the Magic. So let’s see if they will do this on Tuesday.
- For the Lakers’ damage report, Jaxson Hayes is listed as uncertain with a proper ankle sprain after exiting Sunday’s sport.
- As for the Magic, Jalen Suggs is questionable with a again pressure. As talked about, Wagner is out.
You can comply with Nicole on Twitter at @nicoleganglani.
