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5 Orlando Magic games that should have been on national TV

By Harrison Brown

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MARCH 16: Franz Wagner #22 celebrates a basket with Jalen Suggs #4 of the Orlando Magic during the game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on March 16, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns beat the Magic 116-113. 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 Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MARCH 16: Franz Wagner #22 celebrates a basket with Jalen Suggs #4 of the Orlando Magic during the game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on March 16, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns beat the Magic 116-113. 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 Chris Coduto/Getty Images) /
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LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 27: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball as Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic defends during the first 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 Orlando Magic games that should have been on national TV

Nov. 4: vs. Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers and Orlando Magic have a tenured relationship that has historically favored the purple and gold. The Lakers have been the big brother to the Magic, beating them in the NBA Finals and prying away All-Star centers from Orlando.

There is a buzz surrounding the Lakers as they had a great offseason regrouping to aid LeBron James in his quest for a fifth title to add to his legacy.

James’ ability to stay healthy and play a large majority of games consistently is a testament to how he has taken care of his body.

Paolo Banchero has regularly been compared to LeBron since he was drafted last year. They have a similar body type and Banchero clearly has more muscle than James did when he entered the league.

That is a testament to how NBA-ready Banchero’s body was at 19 years old and how his build will continue to be an advantage throughout his potentially illustrious career.

James and Bancher averaged an almost identical stat line in both of their rookie seasons shown below:

  • LeBron James: 20.9 points per game, 42% from the field, 29% from three, 75% from the line
  • Paolo Banchero: 20.0 Points per game, 43% from the field, 30% from three, 74% from the line

If Banchero can take steps to stardom like James, the sky truly is the limit.

The best part about this matchup is that the two will likely guard each other. It will be a test for Banchero not only to defend James but lead his team to victory as a primary scorer on offense.

That is the primary attraction of this matchup — one that is good enough to get the Oct. 30 matchup in Los Angeles on NBATV. The other game at Amway Center though is on a Saturday night. Hardly primetime, especially in the fall. And the league opted to put the Chicago Bulls’ 9 p.m. matchup with the Denver Nuggets on its NBATV time slot.

With nobody knowing how much longer James has left in his career, the league seemingly would be smart to feature James against one of his potential heir apparent and rising stars. This was certainly a missed opportunity to feature the one of the league’s all-time greats against one of its future stars.

At least, the duo get one showcase on NBATV this season.

Both teams have high aspirations this season and a high-scoring affair between James and Banchero is going to be a sight to see.

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