Paolo Banchero had a 36-point performance Tuesday night to lead the Orlando Magic to a 110-109 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, capping a four-game Western Conference road trip and cementing his name among the franchise's greats.
Banchero finished with a game-high 36 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in 38 minutes. He shot 12 of 22 from the field, 2 of 6 from 3-point range and 10 of 11 from the free-throw line, as the Magic improved to 31–26.
According to the team's PR account on X, formerly known as Twitter, Banchero recorded the 14th game of his career with at least 35 points. This total ranks third in Orlando Magic history behind Tracy McGrady (75) and Shaquille O'Neal (54), and ahead of Anfernee Hardaway (13) and Dwight Howard (13).
This performance marked the third time in Banchero's career that he posted at least 35 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in a game. This total ties him with O'Neal for the second-most such games in franchise history. McGrady holds the record with 16.
Jamahl Mosley praises Paolo Banchero's aggressiveness, downhill attack against Lakers
Head coach Jamahl Mosley credited Banchero's pressure and tenacity as the driving force behind the victory.
"Yeah, I think his aggression level, quick decisions, getting downhill, finding matchups he likes, attacking the basket, putting pressure on defense. I mean, more than anything, when you look at it, he got to the free throw line 11 times. That's aggression. That's determination. That's focus, getting downhill. And then he's knocking them down."
Jamahl Mosley on Paolo Banchero's 36 in win over Lakers:
“His aggressiveness – going down 11 times and getting to the line. That's the focus. That's the determination.
"He creates mismatches. Drive and kick to Desmond for a three - big-time play. pic.twitter.com/wgAXpc0Bxw
- Julian Ojeda (@jowepafm) 25 February 2026
Mosley emphasized Banchero's ability to create mismatches and make timely decisions, including a late drive-and-kick that led to a key 3-pointer from Desmond Bain.
"So just staying aggressive. As soon as he steps on the floor, he creates mismatches. He has eyes on him. These guys are full of him. So his quick decision-making ability, getting downhill, that last play where he attacks the downhill and passes it to Desmond for a knock down three, those are big-time plays. And that's what we're going to continue to need from him."
Magic gains momentum after statement win in Los Angeles
Banchero took the same approach when asked about his performance.
"Yeah, just being aggressive, you know, being aggressive downhill, making plays for others. I think that always opens up the game for me. If I'm able to keep the defense honest with my passing. Yeah, being aggressive when the ball is in my hands, you know, making the defense respect me and always hunting my shots and looking for the pass as well."
The 23-year-old has averaged 21.7 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.3 assists over his last 10 games, while shooting 42.4% from the field and 37.5% from 3-point range in 36.4 minutes per contest. On the season, he averaged 21.5 points, a career-high 8.4 rebounds and five assists in 46 games while shooting 45% from the field.
Paolo Banchero on his offensive mindset against the Lakers
"Just being aggressive down the slope and making plays for others. It opens up the game for me. When I have the ball in my hands, it's about hunting my shots and keeping the defense honest with my passing." pic.twitter.com/VD3wfzJKyg
- Julian Ojeda (@jowepafm) 25 February 2026
This victory also has historical significance. As noted by Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel on X, Orlando's wins over the Clippers (111–109) and Lakers (110–109) marked the franchise's first season since 2012–13 in which it defeated both Los Angeles teams.
The Magic return home to open a four-game homestand against the Houston Rockets (35-21) on Thursday at 7:30 PM ET on Prime Video, looking to extend their two-game winning streak behind continued growth in the distinguished company of Banchero.
