The Los Angeles Lakers came out on Wednesday night with a ton of energy and held a lead of as many as 24 against the Orlando Magic but while the Magic cut their lead down to as low as two points, the Lakers never wavered as they won their fifth straight game and their 12th straight game on the road to remain undefeated away from Staples Center, 96-87.
LeBron James led the way with a triple-double of 25 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists on a night when the Lakers struggled to shoot for much of the night. Anthony Davis was again instrumental in establishing a defensive tone, especially when the Lakers surrendered a season-best nine points to the Magic in the first quarter. In addition to the two stars, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had another big night from the outside, making a team-high four 3-pointers, including some big ones in the fourth quarter.
The Magic pushed the Lakers throughout the game and did so literally in the fourth quarter. After Dwight Howard earned a loose ball foul, Orlando’s Wes Iwundu pushed Howard after a play, leading to Jared Dudley pushing Iwundu. After a review, both players were ejected.
Following the dual ejections, the Lakers were able to extend their lead and win yet another road game.
[lawrence-related id=23264,23251]