The Orlando Magic became the latest team to defeat the LA Lakers, following the Chicago Bulls big win in the previous game.

There is plenty for Lakers coach JJ Redick to re-assess, who said post-game that he believes the Lakers simply seemed ‘tired’.

Most of the Lakers’ problems appear to be on defense, after they allowed 146 points vs the Bulls.

They allowed 118 against the Magic, and in this case they could not keep up the scoring, managing only 106.

Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images

Luka Doncic scored 32 points in the LA Lakers win, but it was not enough. The team’s offense failed to keep up with the home team.

This may have in part been to LeBron James still re-acclimating due to his return.

Analyst Chris Broussard has a slightly different view. He believes the way the Orlando Magic defended Luka Doncic had an impact.

Broussard noted the Magic keeping Doncic in single coverage, trying to block off his passing lanes.

He still managed seven assists, but Doncic has shown already in LA what he is capable of if given room, with 14 assists vs the Spurs, and 15 against the Pelicans.

Broussard told First Things First: “If I’m the opponent, because this is what Orlando did, single cover Luka all game.

“I’m not doubling. He might take 50 shots. Just don’t double him.

“Because if you double him, he’s gonna get his 30 whether you double him or not. and then he’s giving up the lobs, and he’s kicking out and getting open looks. Single cover him and see what he does.”

There was not big points splash for Jaxson Hayes, usually on the end of Doncic’s lobs. He had only four points.

Doncic will be used to single coverage. It creates more opportunities for him to get to the basket and into dangerous areas in the paint.

As a five times All-NBA player, Doncic has seen it all. And he has beaten it all.

Facing the Lakers is a case of ‘pick your poison’, especially with LeBron James and Austin Reaves sharing the same court.

The more type of a particular coverage Doncic sees, the easier it is for him to overcome. He is one of the most intelligent players in basketball.

Along with LeBron James, the pair have formed a dynamic pairing, that is just taking a little time to get going again. Doncic has admitted the Lakers got a little too comfortable in recent games, and are being made to pay now.