Lakers vs. Magic preview: Back-to-back in Florida without Kobe Bryant

The Los Angeles Lakers were decimated by the Miami Heat's frontcourt in the first half of their back-to-back, but are back in action Wednesday against the Orlando Magic. Can they bounce back from what became an ugly loss in the second half with tipoff less than 24 hours from their previous game?

Lakers head coach Byron Scott didn't consider putting D'Angelo Russell back in during the fourth quarter of the loss, and Russell won't have an easier time being corralled by both Elfrid Payton and Victor Oladipo. Chris Bosh and Hassan Whiteside easily handled the Lakers' frontcourt, but the Magic are listing Nikola Vucevic as questionable with a right knee contusion. He's missed the Magic's previous three games.

Kobe Bryant is not expected to play, sitting out for rest reasons while he nurses a sore back. Metta World Peace will likely start in his place, looking to carry the momentum of his four-of-four shooting night from three-point range.

The Magic have been compiling young talent since going into full rebuild mode since Dwight Howard's departure, and they have plenty of prospects to show for it. Aaron Gordon vs. Julius Randle is a matchup to keep an eye on, though Gordon has played off the bench for Orlando all season. Evan Fournier is their leading scoring, putting in 19.8 points per game.

The Lakers head to Dallas to face the Mavericks on Friday in the conclusion of their five game road trip. Enjoy the game!

Time: 4 p.m. PT

Station: TWCSN