Franz Wagner Hits Late Three, Sinks Lakers in 119-118 Loss to Magic, Despite 70 Points from LeBron and AD

Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers

In the Western Conference, teams that don't close games they were in position to win will feel it in the end.

That's certainly what happened to the Lakers on Thursday night. To be sure, the visiting Orlando Magic, even without its star (Paolo Banchero) and playing shorthanded beyond that (no Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, no Wendell Carter, Jr.) still represented a challenging opponent. To their credit, the Magic have played quite well of late, winning six of seven coming into the game.

But the Lakers had a lead at the half, and leads down the stretch. They missed six fre throws in the fourth quarter.

They didn't collapse, they didn't overlook their opponent. It wasn't anything egregious... but it was a game they should have won.

And it also, in the process, it was a reminder that the six-game win streak the Lakers were sporting heading into Thursday's matchup didn't erase some of the shortcomings that reared their collective heads during, say, the unsuccessful first road trip of the season. The Lakers were hammered on the glass, for example. They got precious little from the bench, outside D'Angelo Russell... who wasn't exactly efficient (3-10 overall, 1-7 from 3-point range). On a night where LeBron James and Anthony Davis combined for 70 points on robust percentages (26-44), the Lakers didn't need a ton from the supporting cast, yet they still didn't clear the bar.

Why? Austin Reaves, for starters, was awful, playing arguably his worst game of the season. Gabe Vincent, Christian Koloko and Max Christie combined for three shots (all from Christie). Not enough.

So were the Lakers "exposed" on Thursday? Hardly. Was it a reminder of the work left to do? Absolutely. And it's one they'll surely wish they had back.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: The Lakers let one get away.

SEGMENT 2: Reaves struggles.

SEGMENT 3: What the game taught us.

Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your in box. Sign up for free now, at lockedondaily.com.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

PrizePicks
Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNBA and get $50 instantly when you play $5! You don't even need to win to receive the $50 bonus, it's guaranteed! Prizepicks. Run Your Game.
Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA

Robinhood
Robinhood Gold provides the privileges of a high net worth for any net worth. These generous benefits are now available for only $5/month. The new Gold Standard is here with Robinhood Gold. Sign up at robinhood.com/gold.

Chime
Make your fall finances a little greener by working towards your financial goals with Chime. Open your account in 2 minutes at chime.com/NBA.
Chime. Feels like progress.

BetterHelp
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Rediscover your curiosity with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month.

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel
You can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place a FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET ! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)