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Magic vs. Lakers Game Thread

The Orlando Magic look to climb above .500 on the first night of a back-to-back against Lebron James and the Los Angeles Lakers

NBA: Los Angeles Lakers at Phoenix Suns Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The King has entered Magic city, as Lebron James prepares to continue piling up points after passing Wilt Chamberlain as the NBA’s fifth-leading scorer ever on Thursday night. He’ll be joined by last year’s second overall pick, Lonzo Ball, who will starting in place of Rajon Rondo who will miss the next four to five weeks with a broken hand.

Head Coach Luke Walton’s search for a secondary star to pair with Lebron James continues, and tonight Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, and Josh Hart will do their best to fill that void. Javale McGhee and Tyson Chandler will try to mitigate the effect of Nikola Vucevic and Mo Bamba, and Lance Stephenson should see his workload increase in Rondo’s abence as well.

The Magic may be without Aaron Gordon, who has arguably been their best player on both ends of the floor. He will be a game-time decision due to a left ankle sprain suffered against the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night.

“We’re going to know right before the game,” head coach Steve Clifford said. He’s going to warm up and see how he feels.”

On Jonathan Isaac’s minutes:

“We’re going to give him about the same minutes. Then we’ll see how he feels against Toronto.” - Clifford

Who: Los Angeles Lakers (8-6) at Orlando Magic (7-8)

Where: Amway Center, Orlando FL

When: Saturday, November 17th, 7:00 PM EST

Line: Lakers, -5

Injuries: Aaron Gordon (left ankle, game-time decision), Rajon Rondo (broken hand)

Lakers Orlando
Pace: 104.4 (4th) Pace: 98.8 (22nd)
ORtg: 111.2 (9th) ORtg: 105.6 (26th)
DRtg: 110.0 (18th) DRtg: 109.8 (16th)
Projected Starters:
Lakers Orlando
PG - Lonzo Ball PG - D.J. Augustin
SG - Brandon Ingram SG - Evan Fournier
SF - Lebron James F - Wes Iwundu
F - Kyle Kuzma PF - Aaron Gordon (Jarell Martin)
C - Javale McGhee C - Nikola Vucevic

Be sure to check out our preview of tonight’s game here . Also, see what our friends over at Silver Screen and Roll have going on.

Leave your pregame and in-game comments below. Follow us on Twitter at @OPPMagicBlog, and as always - enjoy!