Lakers hand Magic its ninth consecutive loss, 103-94

Jordan Hill had a career-high 28 points to help the Lakers end their four-game losing streak with a 103-94 victory over the Orlando Magic.

In an outcome that likely ended any hope the Lakers had for the third lottery position of the 2014 NBA draft, the Lakers gave Orlando their ninth straight loss.

Playing on the second night of back-to-back games, the Magic got a double-double from rookie Victor Oladipo (21 points, 10 assists). Orlando owned a 46-34 rebounding advantage but couldn’t overcome 20 turnovers.

Pau Gasol sat out the second half because of dizziness and nausea after scoring six points and getting two rebounds in 18 minutes in the first half.

Nick Young helped carry the offensive load for the Lakers. He finished with 26 points off the bench. Hill had 13 rebounds. Jodie Meeks also scored in double figures with 13 points and he had six steals.

Kent Bazemore, playing point guard behind starter Kendall Marshall, set a career high with eight assists while scoring eight points. Both Steve Nash (nerve root irritation) and Jordan Farmar (groin) were unavailable. The Lakers were also without Kobe Bryant (knee) and Xavier Henry (wrist).

The Lakers shot 46.3% from the field and 37.5% from three-point range. Orlando shot 45.1% and 31.6%, respectively.

Tobias Harris finished with 16 points and nine rebounds for the Magic, a far cry from the 28 points and 20 rebounds he tallied when the Lakers visited Orlando.

Oladipo started at point guard for injured Jameer Nelson (knee). Arron Afflalo had 19 points and five assists while Kyle O’Quinn contributed 14 points with seven rebounds. Nikola Vucevic collected 11 rebounds but scored only four points.

The Lakers (23-46) host the New York Knicks (29-41) on Tuesday night. The Magic (19-52) return home to host the Portland Trail Blazers (45-25), also on Tuesday.

With the victory, the Lakers are now even in the win column with the Boston Celtics (23-47) and Utah Jazz (23-47). The three teams appear likely to finish in the fourth, fifth and sixth slots heading into the NBA draft lottery.

Lakers 75, Magic 73 (end of third quarter)

Pau Gasol was unable to play in the second half, suffering from dizziness and nausea. Robert Sacre started the third quarter in his place.

Without Gasol on the floor for the Lakers, the Magic were able to trim their deficit to two points. Victor Oladipo and Tobias Harris led Orlando with 14 points apiece.

The Lakers were led by Jordan Hill with 22 points and nine rebounds in 28 minutes. Nick Young scored 13 off the bench as the Lakers shot 50% from the field.

The Magic shot 44.6% from the field but held a 37-23 rebounding advantage over the Lakers.

Lakers 55, Magic 48 (halftime)

The Magic made an early charge in the second quarter, overcoming the Lakers’ advantage to take a one-point lead.

The Lakers quickly responded, pushing ahead by as many as 15 points before the Magic trimmed the gap to seven by halftime.

Jordan Hill led the Lakers with 14 points while Nick Young has scored 11 off the bench. The Lakers shot 47.8% from the field and 45.5% (5 of 11) from three-point range.

Reserve Tobias Harris led the Magic with 12 points and eight rebounds. Orlando shot 48.7% from the field but turned the ball over 11 times in the half.

The Lakers had eight turnovers.

Lakers 29, Magic 24 (end of first quarter)

The Lakers jumped on the Magic early, pulling ahead by as many as 10 points.

Orlando closed the gap to five by the end of the first quarter, led by Kyle O’Quinn with eight points. Andrew Nicholson added seven points off the bench.

Nick Young, Jordan Hill and Pau Gasol each scored six points for the Lakers, who shot 52.2% from the field. Young, coming off the bench, converted a four-point play.

Neither Steve Nash nor Jameer Nelson played for their respective teams. Coach Mike D’Antoni started Hill next to Gasol up front with Robert Sacre playing three minutes as a reserve.

The Magic shot 53.3% from the field but turned the ball over seven times.

Pregame

The Lakers (22-46) host the Orlando Magic (19-51) on Sunday in a battle featuring two of the bottom four teams in the NBA.

After a loss in Utah on Saturday night, the Magic may give the Lakers a real chance to break their four-game losing streak. Orlando might play without point guard Jameer Nelson (knee).

Steve Nash (nerve root irritation) is doubtful. The Lakers are also without Kobe Bryant (knee), Jordan Farmar (groin) and Xavier Henry (wrist).

For a more in-depth breakdown, check out Preview: Lakers vs. Magic

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