Austin Reaves, Lakers
Getty
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves gestures toward the bench as attention around his future has intensified.
The Los Angeles Lakers are playing like one of the hottest teams in the NBA.
On Saturday, March 21, they’ll get another opportunity to build on their recent streak of success by facing the Orlando Magic.
When the Lakers arrived in Florida earlier this week, they closed out a back-to-back set with a matchup against the Miami Heat.
It was a standout game for the superstar duo of LeBron James and Luka Doncic. The latter star put together a 60-point outing, which was the follow-up to a 40-point showing on the road in Houston, Texas.
Although Doncic and LeBron were on the Lakers’ injury report heading into their last game, the team kept them off for the battle against Orlando. Barring any unexpected changes, they were expected to play.
However, the same couldn’t be said for Austin Reaves. As he deals with a nagging hip contusion, Reaves was initially listed as questionable against the Magic. Hours before the tip-off, the Lakers upgraded him.
Lakers Announce Starting Lineup vs Magic After Austin Reaves News
GettyLos Angeles, CA – March 01: Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) dribbles down the court during the second half of NBA game against the Sacramento Kings at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, March 1, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA. (Photos by Ronaldo Bolaños/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
via Dave McMenamin, ESPN: Austin Reaves (left hip soreness) has been upgraded to available tonight in Orlando, per the Lakers
The Lakers will start Luka Doncic, Marcus Smart, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, and Deandre Ayton.
The Magic will start Jalen Suggs, Desmond Bane, Tristan da Silva, Paolo Banchero, and Wendell Carter Jr.
Indeed, Reaves will play against the Orlando Magic on Saturday night.
In his last time out, Reaves checked in for just under 40 minutes. He shot 5-12 from the field, scoring 18 points. He also came down with five rebounds and produced four assists.
Although Reaves battled a long stretch of absences due to a calf strain, he has only missed one game since returning to the court for the Lakers on February 3.
A Look At The Lakers’ Hot Streak
Luka Doncic and LeBron James
GettyLuka Doncic and LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers have won eight games in a row.
Their last loss occurred on March 5, when the Lakers paid a visit to the Denver Nuggets. They dropped that matchup with a 120-113 loss.
Since then, the Lakers have picked up wins against the Pacers, Knicks, Timberwolves, Bulls, Nuggets, Rockets (twice), and the Heat.
Heading into Saturday’s action, the Lakers are sitting third in the Western Conference. They hold a 45-25 record, going 9-1 over their last 10 games. It’s been a statement stretch for LA deep into the season, which sounds alarms across the conference.
Lakers LeBron James reacts with Luka Doncic (77)
GettyLakers LeBron James reacts with Luka Doncic (77)
The only two teams in front of the Lakers are the San Antonio Spurs and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Unfortunately, the second seed is a long way to go for the Lakers.
The Spurs are ahead by 7.0 games, and they are just as hot, winning nine of their last 10. As for the Thunder, they have a 3.0-game lead over the Spurs. They have the conference’s top streak, winning 10 in a row.
The Lakers will look to improve their standing as the third seed against the Magic on Saturday. Then on Monday, March 23, they’ll return to the court to take on the Detroit Pistons.