Lakers vs. Magic Preview and Game Thread: A crucial four game road trip ahead

The Lakers look to begin their four-game road trip on a strong note against the Magic on Monday.

The Lakers will travel east this week where they will embark on a four-game road trip. They will kick it off against the Orlando Magic, who currently owns the season series against them.

L.A. looks to get back to the winning column and snap a two-game losing streak.

Start time and TV schedule

Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Orlando Magic

When: 4 PDT, Mar 24

Where: Kia Center

Watch: NBA TV, Spectrum SportsNet

The Lakers suffered another embarrassing loss in the hands of a Chicago Bulls team that was 10 games under .500 on Sunday. Chicago deserves a lot of credit for forcing Los Angeles into their worst defensive performance of the season that led to a 31-point defeat — which is the largest margin of victory in Bulls-Lakers history.

Much of that had to do with the fact that the Bulls shot 78.6% on twos in the first half and then 73.7% on threes in the second half. They dominated in transition (30-12), in the paint (74-42) and pretty much controlled the pace throughout the game. That’s what happens when a younger, taller and more athletic team makes their presence felt.

You know what team is also just like this? The Orlando Magic.

Los Angeles should be familiar with the Magic, though, because one of their most frustrating losses this season also came against them. Obviously, at that time, Anthony Davis was still on board, so that alone will make this matchup a lot different.

But what’s not going to be different is the fact that L.A. will have to contain Franz Wagner — who dropped 37 points on them plus the game-winner last time — and now a healthier Paolo Banchero. Although the Magic have regressed since they last faced the Lakers, what’s stayed consistent is their defense, which currently ranks second in the league. L.A. will simply have to play better on both sides of the floor than they did against the Bulls.

Perhaps the best way the purple and gold can beat the Magic is for them to expose why the latter is a bottom-tier offensive team in the league. They average just 104.8 points a game, so the Lakers should take control of this one early.

Hopefully, they look more connected and focused on both ends of the floor because they themselves should know what could possibly happen when the opposing teams shoots or plays extraordinary well. Losses like the one against the Bulls happen and at this point of the season, the Lakers can’t afford those anymore.

In their last road trip, the Lakers went 0-4, but that was because they were pretty beat up by injuries. They stayed afloat in the standings after that because of the margin of error they created for themselves throughout the season.

But this time, L.A. can’t afford to have another subpar stretch, which is why this upcoming four-game road trip is extremely crucial. Let’s see if the Lakers can begin their road trip on a winning note in Orlando on Monday.

Notes and Updates

• For the Lakers’ injury report, LeBron James (left groin strain) is probable. Meanwhile, Rui Hachimura (left patellar tendinopathy) is noted as questionable. Maxi Kleber (right foot surgery recovery) is out while Bronny James Jr. is with the South Bay Lakers.
• As for the Magic, Jalen Suggs (left knee torchlea cartilage tear) is out as well as Moritz Wagner (torn ACL). Cole Anthony (left big toe strain) and Travelin Queen (left ankle sprain) are questionable.
• We will be live on Playback for this game, so be sure to join us!

You can follow Nicole on Twitter at @nicoleganglani.