Who hit the gamewinning shot in Magic vs Lakers

Wendell Carter Jr scored the goahead putback with 67 seconds remaining

How many points did Paolo Banchero score

Paolo Banchero led all scorers with 36 points

Why are the Lakers struggling recently

Turnovers defensive breakdowns and poor lategame execution have hurt the Lakers against strong opponents

What does this win mean for the Magic

Orlando moved within half a game of sixth place in the Eastern Conference

Wendell Carter Jr. Breaks Lakers’ Hearts at the Buzzer as Magic Steal 110-109 Win

🔸Published: 25 Feb 2026 12:22 PM

🔸Updated: 25 Feb 2026 12:22 PM

Wendell Carter Jr. sinks a late putback as the Magic edge the Lakers 110-109. Paolo Banchero scores 36 as LA’s late-season slide continues.

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LOS ANGELES- The final seconds inside Crypto.com Arena felt like a playoff moment, and Wendell Carter Jr. delivered the dagger.

Carter powered in a clutch putback with 6.7 seconds remaining, lifting the Orlando Magic to a dramatic 110–109 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night - a loss that deepened Los Angeles’ late-season concerns.

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The Magic closed a successful West Coast trip in style, rallying from an early double-digit deficit and surviving a chaotic final minute that perfectly captured the Lakers’ recent struggles.

Banchero Shines, Carter Delivers the Knockout

Paolo Banchero was unstoppable, pouring in 36 points to anchor Orlando’s offense. Carter added 20 points and 12 rebounds, but his final bucket- off a second offensive rebound — proved decisive.

That's final pic.twitter.com/LssRJebizj
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 25, 2026

Orlando briefly seized control late, only for Rui Hachimura to drain a massive three with 2:14 left. Desmond Bane answered with a clutch triple of his own, before Luka Dončić found LeBron James for a dunk that put the Lakers back in front.

Then came Carter’s moment.

James’ desperation fadeaway three at the horn missed, sealing Orlando’s fourth straight win over the Lakers.

Lakers’ Slide Continues as Pressure Mounts

Los Angeles finished its homestand 4–4, losing four of its last six and slipping to sixth in the Western Conference. Despite solid nights from Dončić (22 points, 15 assists) and James (21 points), turnovers and defensive lapses again proved costly.

Austin Reaves scored all 18 of his points in the second half, while Deandre Ayton added 21, but the Lakers couldn’t close when it mattered most.

Magic Rising at the Right Time

Orlando has now won six of its last eight games, climbing within half a game of sixth place in the Eastern Conference. Even with Jalen Suggs sidelined again due to a back strain, the Magic continue to play with poise, toughness, and belief.

For the Lakers, belief is becoming harder to find.