Preview: Magic at Lakers, Tuesday, February 24, 2026 LOS ANGELES (Interstat) — A surging Los Angeles Lakers team, led by MVP candidate Luka Doncic, hosts a formidable Orlando Magic squad featuring All-Star Paolo Banchero in a cross-conference showdown Tuesday night at crypto.com Arena. The Lakers (34-21) enter on a high note after a dramatic 125-122 victory over the crosstown rival Clippers last Friday. Doncic was spectacular in that win, posting 38 points and 11 assists. He has been the engine for Los Angeles, averaging 30.1 points, 8.6 rebounds and 8.4 assists over his last seven games. The Lakers have won five of their last seven to solidify their position in the Western Conference playoff picture. Orlando (29-26) arrives in Los Angeles after a grueling, double-overtime 113-110 road loss to the Phoenix Suns on Saturday. Despite the defeat, the Magic showcased their resilience and talent. Banchero recorded a monster line of 26 points, 14 rebounds, eight assists and four blocks in 47 minutes, while guard Desmond Bane added 34 points. Banchero has been on a tear, averaging 22.5 points, 8.9 rebounds and 5.0 assists over his last 10 contests, powering Orlando to a 6-4 record in that stretch. The matchup between Doncic and Banchero, two of the league’s premier all-around forwards, will be the central focus. Doncic’s scoring and playmaking prowess will test Orlando’s top-five defense, while Banchero’s physicality and versatile offensive game will challenge a Lakers defense that has been inconsistent. The Lakers hold the superior record and home-court advantage, but the Magic have proven to be a tough out, with recent decisive wins over Sacramento and Milwaukee. Orlando will need to quickly recover from its emotionally taxing loss in Phoenix to contend with a well-rested Lakers team beginning a critical homestand. Tuesday’s contest tips off at 7:30 p.m. PST and will be a key benchmark for both teams as the regular season enters its final stretch.