LeBron James' LA Lakers playing against Paolo Banchero's Orlando Magic has the monster rookie in dreamland
The Orlando Magic will look to extend their NBA winning streak to three games when they face the struggling Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday.
The Magic have won eight of their last nine games, thanks in part to strong performances from rookies Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, who are both averaging over 21 points per game during this stretch.
They will have a chance to extend their home winning streak to six games when they take on LeBron James and company, an outfit that has had their own struggles this season.
The firm favorite to win the rookie of the year award, Paulo Banchero will be facing his childhood idol for the first time in his career. The 20-year old was visibly excited ahead of the match and claimed that he had watched LeBron countless times.
"It’s going to be special for me being my first time getting to play against him in an @NBA game. ... (It) makes me scratch my head a little bit that this is real life. ... (But) we’re going to try and go out and get the win." - @Pp_doesit on @KingJames
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Paolo Banchero is looking forward to facing childhood idol LeBron James
Banchero has had a tremendous season, and his numbers are already being compared to those of LeBron James, who started his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The player is currently averaging 21.7 points, 4 assists and 6.9 rebounds per game. In comparison, James finished with 20.9 points, 5.9 assists and 5.5 rebounds back in 2004.
Speaking before the match, Banchero had the following to say about facing LeBron James and LA Lakers:
“For me, it’s going to be dope. It’s going to be a special moment for me, man. Anybody that knows me knows that’s been my favorite player since I was a young kid. (He’s) a guy that I’ve watched countless hours of. So, it’s going to be special for me being my first time getting to play against him in an NBA game.
He added:
I’m excited. … I remember watching him when I was a young, young kid, so to be on an NBA court with him makes me scratch my head a little bit that this is real life. It’s going to be fun though. He’s a great player, a great competitor. (But) we’re going to try and go out and get the win.”
Paolo Banchero in his NBA debut:
27 PTS, 9 REB, 5 AST, 11/18 FG
It's the first 25/5/5 debut since LeBron 👀
(h/t: @statmuse) https://t.co/gUWTnlRrbA
Along with Franz Wagner and Banchero, 4 other players in the Orlando Magic have scored in double digits over the last nine games. Moe Wagner has scored 15 ppg while Cole Anthony (13.9), Markelle Fultz (11.3), and Bol Bol (11.1) have all helped out with the scoring.
The team has also displayed a strong defense, ranking in the top five in defensive rating and pulling down the second-most defensive rebounds per game over the past nine games.
Meanwhile, the Lakers have lost their last four games and are without power forward Anthony Davis, affecting their size and interior defense.