The Orlando Magic snapped a six-game home losing streak with a decisive 118-106 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, marking the Lakers' third consecutive loss. Despite LeBron James' strong performance with 24 points and eight assists, the Lakers faltered in the second half, allowing the Magic to dominate the third quarter with a 34-18 run. Franz Wagner shone brightly for Orlando, contributing 32 points and nine assists, while Paolo Banchero added 30 points and seven rebounds. Lakers coach JJ Redick lamented his team's fatigue, acknowledging the need for a higher level of intensity to compete effectively.

The Lakers, now fourth in the Western Conference, have lost seven of their last ten games but maintain a buffer over the ninth-placed Sacramento Kings as they push for playoff contention. The Magic, positioned eighth in the Eastern Conference, are in a tighter race for postseason positioning with only ten games remaining. In related news, the Dallas Mavericks secured a 120-101 win against the Brooklyn Nets, with Anthony Davis returning from injury to score 12 points in his comeback.