Orlando Magic Daily
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5 most important games on the Orlando Magic’s schedule

By Alfred Ezman

Markelle Fultz was at the head of making all the little plays in an Orlando Magic win over the Golden State Warriors. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Markelle Fultz was at the head of making all the little plays in an Orlando Magic win over the Golden State Warriors. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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ORLANDO, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 27: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball against the Orlando Magic during the third quarter at Amway Center on December 27, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 27: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball against the Orlando Magic during the third quarter at Amway Center on December 27, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

5 most essential matchups on the Orlando Magic’s schedule

Nov. 4: vs. Los Angeles Lakers

Believe it or not, this is the second matchup of the year between the Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Lakers as they play about a week before in Crypto.com Arena during that aforementioned early West Coast trip.

This second matchup in the Amway Center is very intriguing as it is another big-name team Orlando will see early on in the season. On top of this, this is the Magic’s first game back from that quick trip out West. So there is not much of a chance to take a breath after they get home.

The Lakers on a Saturday night? Even during college football season that will bring a sold-out Amway Center and it may be dotted with more purple and gold than anyone would like. And the Magic are going to have to work to make up whatever ground they may have lost on the road trip or maintain momentum from their trip.

This is a tough game against a tough opponent.

The Magic currently have a six-game losing streak against the Lakers and have not won against them since beating them before the bubble in Jan. 2020. That was a game where Markelle Fultz recorded a triple-double if you remember.

They have not beaten the Lakers at home in the Amway Center since 2018.

Of course, the big name to recognize in this game is LeBron James. The Magic see him early in the year so they take advantage of any rust the Lakers team may have during the beginning parts of the season.

The Magic saw the Lakers last year after the trade deadline and nearly took them down on the road before Austin Reeves’ free throw shooting took over and the Magic ran out of gas on the back end of their Los Angeles back-to-back.

Orlando proved itself competitive with a very good Los Angeles team that was gearing up for a trip to the Western Conference Finals.

Orlando has an opportunity to take down a title contender early on in the season at home. It is a team that has not beaten in a few years and a team they have not beaten at home in quite a while.