The Los Angeles Lakers and the Orlando Magic were slated to face off twice this week. Two games in six days to be exact.
The Lakers came out on top in the first contest against the Magic by a score of 106-103 and this game was back and forth the entire time.
LeBron James Believes Lakers Are Making Progress
The Lakers fought from behind in the fourth quarter to earn the victory. The Lakers improved to 2-2 on the season. Some of the Lakers’ players spoke postgame on the victory and the team’s progress this season.
“We’re going to continue to get better,” LeBron James said. “I think we’re still a little trying to figure it out, which is OK. We’re four games in. We’re going to get a lot better throughout the season, but so far we like some of the things we see.”
LeBron James scored 19 points, grabbed three rebounds, dished out four assists, and recorded three steals. LeBron James played a total of 33 minutes. That is 4 minutes over the loose minutes restriction set in place by the coaching staff. The condition is not concrete. If James goes above the minute restriction by five minutes or less Darvin Ham seems to be comfortable with that especially if it results in a Lakers win.
D’Angelo Russell scored 28 points on 10-for-14 shooting from the field. Russell knocked down 3-for-6 from behind the three-point line. Russell knocked down 5-for-5 from the free-throw line. He also grabbed two rebounds, dished out eight assists, recorded a steal, and blocked a shot. Russell spoke on his team’s performance postgame.
“What you guys see is a team figuring it out,” Russell said. “This isn’t the product that it will be in a month or two from now—every game matters. Every clutch situation matters. Every practice matters. So we’re figuring it out.”
More Lakers Contributions
- Anthony Davis scored 26 points, grabbed 19 rebounds, and dished out five assists.
- Austin Reaves scored 11 points, grabbed three rebounds, and dished out three assists.
The Los Angeles Lakers face the Los Angeles Clippers in L.A. on Wednesday, 11/1. The Orlando Magic face the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday, 10/31.
