Lakers vs Magic Picks and Prediction – 3/24/2025

In the first game of a Monday night NBA TV doubleheader, the Los Angeles Lakers will square off against the Orlando Magic from the Kia Center. For other NBA action see our NBA Predictions. The Lakers (43-27) are three games below .500 on the road and trail Denver by a half-game for third place in the Western Conference standings. On Saturday, Los Angeles was outscored by 26 points during the second half of an ugly 146-115 home loss versus Chicago. 

All-Star G Luka Doncic tallied a team-high 34 points (10-18 FG), eight rebounds, and six assists. Los Angeles G Austin Reaves added 25 points (9-13 FG) and five assists. LeBron James returned from injury to score 17 points and post a game-worst minus 27 rating for the Lakers. 

The Orlando Magic are a game above .500 at home and are sitting 1.5 games behind Atlanta for seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings. The Magic (33-38) rank second in the league in defensive efficiency and are allowing 106.1 points per game. On Friday, Orlando erupted for 102 points through the first three quarters of a 120-105 road victory against lowly Washington. 

Former number one overall draft pick Paolo Banchero led all scorers with 30 points to go along with eight rebounds and five assists. Orlando F Franz Wagner chipped in 21 points, eight boards, and five dimes. Wendell Carter Jr. added 16 points and 12 rebounds for the Magic.

Los Angeles F Rui Hachimura (knee) is listed as questionable and F LeBron James (groin) is considered probable for this contest. The Magic have a number of players to match up with Luka Doncic and I do not see the Lakers being able to slow down Banchero. Take Orlando to win as a small home underdog. Final Score Prediction, Orlando Magic win 111-103.