Wendell Carter Jr.’s decisive layup with under seven seconds remaining helped the Orlando Magic secure a narrow 110-109 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday, Philippine time, concluding their West Coast road trip with a strong performance. Carter’s clutch basket proved crucial after Desmond Bane gave the Magic a one-point lead late in the game.
Strong Showings from Magic’s Key Players on Road Trip
Paolo Banchero led Orlando with 36 points and 10 rebounds, while Desmond Bane contributed 22 points, including a critical three-pointer to take the lead with just over half a minute left. Wendell Carter Jr. finished with 20 points and 12 rebounds, and Tristan da Silva added 13 points as the Magic completed the trip with a 3-1 record, following wins in Sacramento and against both Los Angeles teams, the Clippers and Lakers.
Important Plays in Closing Moments Turned the Tide
After Bane’s open three-pointer put Orlando ahead 108-107 with 35.4 seconds remaining, a dunk by LeBron James, assisted by Luka Doncic, gave the Lakers a 109-108 advantage with 26.3 seconds left. Carter’s layup inside the paint then swung the score back to the Magic at 110-109 with 6.7 seconds on the clock. James’ last-second fadeaway three missed, sealing the Orlando victory.
Magic win on a thrilling sequence!The biggest of @wendellcarter34’s 12 boards and 20 points leads Orlando to its 6th win in 8 games 🔥 https://t.co/FhfOvkDuFspic.twitter.com/DSgFtR2CUU— NBA (@NBA) February 25, 2026
Game Dynamics and Team Performances Highlighted
The Magic shot 45.7% overall but notably improved their efficiency in the final quarter, hitting 59.1% of their shots and scoring 31 points. This victory marked Orlando’s fourth straight over the Lakers in the past two seasons. Meanwhile, the Lakers were paced by Luka Doncic’s near triple-double with 22 points, 15 assists, and nine rebounds, alongside LeBron James and Deandre Ayton, who each scored 21 points. Austin Reaves added 18 points for Los Angeles.
Lakers’ Efforts and Key Moments in a Close Match
Los Angeles built a 12-point lead (65-53) in the third quarter, but Orlando’s 12-4 run closed the gap to 80-79 heading into the final period. Rui Hachimura hit a three-pointer to bring the Lakers ahead 106-103 with just over two minutes left. A controversial foul call against Carter was overturned, and the Lakers claimed a jump ball with just over a minute remaining. Despite taking a 107-105 lead on free throws by James, they could not hold on as Orlando finished strong.
Significance of the Victory for the Magic
This close win highlights Orlando’s resilience on the road and their ability to perform under pressure, improving their recent form with six wins in eight games. The Magic’s strong showing against Los Angeles and other Western Conference teams indicates growing confidence as the season progresses. The Lakers, meanwhile, ended a 4-4 homestand with tough losses that may prompt adjustments moving forward.
WAGIC WIN🪄 pic.twitter.com/MFuFaWHlWt
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) February 25, 2026
DESMOND BANE.
CLUTCH THREE FOR THE LEAD.
Magic up with 34.6 left… watch here: https://t.co/pCXi3UWjLg https://t.co/ZLrgLvGcy5 pic.twitter.com/IA3jS7iLWG
— NBA (@NBA) February 25, 2026
Magic win on a thrilling sequence!
The biggest of @wendellcarter34's 12 boards and 20 points leads Orlando to its 6th win in 8 games 🔥 https://t.co/FhfOvkDuFs pic.twitter.com/DSgFtR2CUU
— NBA (@NBA) February 25, 2026
LeBron.
Reaves.
LeBron.
Showtime. pic.twitter.com/qewVvhTtm5— NBA (@NBA) February 25, 2026
