For the second straight night, the Los Angeles Lakers were dominated by a superstar in Florida. On Friday night at Amway Center, Dwight Howard scored 21 points and grabbed 23 rebounds as the Orlando Magic beat the Lakers 92-80 in a game that really wasn't that close.
The Lakers scored just 10 points in the opening quarter, falling behind 22-10 after just 12 minutes, a deficit from which they never recovered. Kobe Bryant scored 30 points and dished out eight assists to lead the Lakers, who shot just 38.2% from the field for the game.
The loss dropped the Lakers to a paltry 1-6 on the road this season, including three straight losses away from home. Andrew Bynum scored 10 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, but was limited to just six field goal attempts and 26 minutes thanks to foul trouble. Pau Gasol also had a double-double for the Lakers, with 13 points and 10 rebounds, but was also more of a jump shooter on the night, making just four of 12 from the field.
All five Orlando starters scored in double figures, including 17 points from Jameer Nelson. The Magic made 12 three-pointers in the game, and improved to 6-2 at home this season. Orlando outrebounded the Lakers 51-42.
The Lakers return home to host the Indiana Pacers on Sunday night at Staples Center, where the Lakers have won nine straight games as the home team.
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