Grading Lakers Players After They Lose 119-118 Heartbreaker Against Magic

Franz Wagner delivered a clutch performance, capping off a career night with a go-ahead 3-pointer with 2.5 seconds left as the Orlando Magic edged the Los Angeles Lakers 119-118 on Thursday night. Wagner scored 15 of his 37 points in the fourth quarter, dished out 11 assists, and led a short-handed Magic team that overcame the odds to snap the Lakers’ six-game winning streak. Jalen Suggs added 23 points, while Moritz Wagner chipped in a season-high 19 to help Orlando secure its seventh win in eight games.

Despite Anthony Davis’ 39-point effort and LeBron James’ 31 points, including 14 in the final period, the Lakers faltered late, losing at home for the first time in eight games. Davis missed two free throws with 19 seconds left and a potential game-winning jumper at the buzzer, while the Lakers struggled at the stripe, missing critical free throws down the stretch. Playing without Rui Hachimura and Bronny James, Los Angeles couldn’t fend off the resilient Magic, who showed maturity and poise even without three of their starters.

Orlando’s determination shone brightest in the final moments as they took advantage of the Lakers’ missed opportunities. Wagner’s game-winning 3-pointer followed a series of clutch plays from both teams, but it was the Magic’s energy and execution that made the difference. While the Lakers are left to regroup after letting a winnable game slip away, let’s grade the performances of the players tonight. 

Anthony Davis – A-

Stats: 39 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 0 steals, 3 blocks, 4 fouls, 3 turnovers, 14-22 FG, 1-1 3PT FG, 10-13 FT, 38 mins

Anthony Davis dominated on offense with 39 points on 14-22 shooting, anchoring the Lakers on both ends with three blocks and nine rebounds. However, his missed free throws in the clutch, including two critical ones with 19 seconds left, marred an otherwise outstanding performance. Davis’ performance warrants an A+ but not closing the deal lowers his score just enough without ignoring his dominance tonight. 

LeBron James – A-

Stats: 31 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, 0 steals, 1 block, 0 fouls, 4 turnovers, 12-22 FG, 5-9 3PT FG, 2-4 FT, 37 mins

LeBron James showcased his brilliance once again, finishing with 31 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists while shooting efficiently from deep (5-9). Despite his heroics in the fourth quarter, he couldn’t completely carry the Lakers over the finish line, as the team struggled defensively late. James has to take the blame for not closing considering his legendary status but we have to chalk it off as one of those games. 

Dalton Knecht – B

Stats: 17 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 3 fouls, 0 turnovers, 7-14 FG, 3-7 3PT FG, 0-0 FT, 39 mins

Dalton Knecht provided solid scoring support with 17 points, hitting three triples and showing poise in extended minutes. While he wasn’t a factor defensively and he committed some unnecessary fouls, his effort on offense and ability to step up in critical moments were valuable.

Cam Reddish – B

Stats: 8 points, 8 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 2 fouls, 0 turnovers, 3-4 FG, 2-2 3PT FG, 0-0 FT, 21 mins

Cam Reddish played a key role on the glass with 8 rebounds and made both of his three-point attempts, contributing efficiently on limited touches. His defensive activity added to his overall positive impact in 21 minutes and he had one of his best performances of this season. 

Austin Reaves – C

Stats: 9 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 0 blocks, 0 fouls, 2 turnovers, 3-12 FG, 1-4 3PT FG, 2-5 FT, 33 mins

Austin Reaves struggled offensively, shooting just 3-12 from the field and missing three of his five free throws. While Reaves’ three assists and one steal were useful, his inability to find a rhythm offensively hurt the Lakers during key stretches and he fell below his usual consistent standards. 

Max Christie – C

Stats: 5 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 2 steals, 0 blocks, 1 foul, 0 turnovers, 2-3 FG, 0-1 3PT FG, 1-2 FT, 25 mins

Max Christie made the most of his limited scoring opportunities, going 2-3 from the field while contributing two steals. However, his lack of involvement overall limited his influence in the game and he just gets a basic grade for a forgettable performance all-around. 

D’Angelo Russell – C-

Stats: 7 points, 1 rebound, 6 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 2 fouls, 0 turnovers, 3-10 FG, 1-7 3PT FG, 0-0 FT, 23 mins

D’Angelo Russell’s playmaking was solid with six assists, but his shooting woes (3-10 FG, 1-7 3PT) hampered the Lakers’ offense. His inability to knock down open looks or drive the offense efficiently hurt their chances late and JJ Redick did not feel the need to trust him for more than what was needed on the court tonight. 

Gabe Vincent – C-

Stats: 0 points, 0 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 2 fouls, 0 turnovers, 0-0 FG, 0-0 3PT FG, 0-0 FT, 14 mins

Gabe Vincent had a quiet night, failing to record a single point, rebound, or assist in 14 minutes of action. His defensive presence wasn’t enough to compensate for his lack of offensive impact.

Christian Koloko – N/A

Stats: 2 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 0 steals, 1 block, 1 foul, 1 turnover, 0-0 FG, 0-0 3PT FG, 2-2 FT, 10 mins

Koloko only played 10 minutes but showed flashes with a block and two free throws made. His limited court time prevented a meaningful impact on the game.

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