Lakers fend off Magic for first back-to-back wins without LeBron James and Anthony Davis

The Los Angeles Lakers were able to hold off the Orlando Magic for their first back-to-back win without LeBron James and Anthony Davis on Sunday, narrowly beating Orlando 96-93.

The Lakers’ defense has been sharp in spite of the fact that James and Davis haven’t been available, but that wasn’t the case for the team on Sunday. Even when they looked sharp, they didn’t look as stout as they’ve looked in the previous four games, and nothing said that more than the fact that four players on the injury-plagued Magic finished the game in double figures.

Fortunately, the Lakers had just enough offense between Dennis Schröder and Montrezl Harrell to get them over the hump. Combined, Schröder and Harrell scored 42 points on 15-27 shooting from the field. Schröder and Harrell both had their names tossed around in trade talks leading up to the trade deadline, but nights like Sunday are an example of why Rob Pelinka had a line he wouldn’t cross in negotiations. They’re too valuable to the team, especially with James and Davis out.

Kyle Kuzma also had a high-scoring night, but on a less efficient 8-20 from the field, including 5-15 from behind the 3-point line. Markieff Morris, who had another strong outing for the Lakers on Sunday, was the only other player on the team to finish the night in double figures.

The Lakers will look to make it three wins in a row when they host the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday. Hopefully, in those two days, the Lakers will be able to get a practice with Andre Drummond in, making a Wednesday debut more likely for him.

For more Lakers talk, subscribe to the Silver Screen and Roll podcast feed on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or Google Podcasts. You can follow this author on Twitter at @RadRivas.