Lakers surge past Magic with 3rd quarter eruption.
After a second-half triumph against the Thunder on Friday, the Lakers continued their surge in today's matchup against the Magic, winning 106–94 thanks to a huge third quarter and a triple-double from LeBron James, improving their season record to 15–13.
In tonight's win, the Lakers were consistent on all phases, shooting 46% (13 for 28) from outside the arc, totaling 49% (41 for 84) overall from the floor that helped give them their highest lead of 25 points to win their second straight game in a tight Western Conference standing.
LeBron James made father time look like a distant memory in his 101st game with a triple-double, showing flashes of his old self with multiple chase-down blocks and all-star plays, finishing with 30 points on 60 percent (12–20) shooting, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, and 3 blocks in 37 minutes of action.
After the game, LeBron explained where he got his energy from tonight's incredible performance, revealing how he had 12 hours and sleep before the game and how he'll be able to keep up his play, saying: "How do I continue how I'm playing? Been doing it for 19 years. Just do what I've been doing. I feel like I'm getting better and better each and every day."
Russell Westbrook had a good night quarterbacking the Lakers offense, scoring 19 points on 50% (9–18), shooting overall, grabbing 7 rebounds, and dishing out 5 assists with a pair of steals in 35 minutes of action.
21-year-old Talen Horton-Tucker finished tied 2nd in scoring for the purple and gold, scoring 19 points on 50% (7–14) shooting and a career-high 6 steals with a team-high +16 plus/minus in 30 minutes.
The Lakers will travel to play the 13–13 Dallas Mavericks in their opening game of a three-game road trip on Wednesday. The Lakers will try to stretch their winning streak to three games by taking advantage of a Mavs squad that will be missing Luka Doncic in the matchup.
