Paolo Banchero capped the Orlando Magic's four-game Western Conference road trip with a 36-point performance in a 110-109 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night, but his impact extended beyond scoring. In consecutive matchups against Kawhi Leonard and Luka Doncic, Banchero took over the primary defensive duties, highlighting his ability as an elite two-way player.
Wendell Carter Jr., who recorded 20 points, 11 rebounds and two assists in 36 minutes – including the game-winning putback – praised Banchero's defensive focus and competitiveness.
"Man, when P gets locked in defensively he's one of the best in this league. In my opinion he has the potential to be one of the best two-way players to play this game. He had two big challenges the other night with Kawhi and then tonight with Luka. He accepted that challenge. When he's in that mode, when he's locked in, man, it unlocks his team and takes us to another level."
On Sunday, Leonard scored 37 points against Orlando, adding eight rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks, while shooting 14 of 25 from the field. Two nights later, Doncic faced a more disruptive defensive presence from the Magic. The Lakers star finished with 22 points, 15 assists and nine rebounds, but shot 8-for-24 from the field and 2-for-10 from 3-point range while committing two turnovers.
Wendell Carter Jr. on Paolo Banchero's defense this season:
"When P is off defensively, he's one of the best in this league. He has the potential to be one of the best two-way players ever...When he's in that mode, it takes us to another level." pic.twitter.com/qHDu8BIgJ6
- Julian Ojeda (@jowepafm) 25 February 2026
Paolo Banchero accepts the challenge of protecting elite scorers
Banchero addressed the defensive responsibility of protecting leading scorers throughout the league.
"Yeah, I think it's just me, you know, accepting the challenge. You know, I think a lot of times, you know, coaches want to, you know, have some better players to guard a guy. They don't have to expend as much energy. But, you know, getting Jalen out, Franz out, they're our two best perimeter defenders. And so I know I've got to step up on that side of the ball. And I'm a big I feel like I'm a good defender, especially on one on, guarding big guys, big guards."
He acknowledged the difficulty of controlling the stars but emphasized effort and physicality.
Paolo on defending Kawhi Leonard, Luka Doncic in the last two games:
"With Jalen and Franz out, I know I have to step up. I'm a big guy, I can step up. You can't stop guys like that, but you can be tough on them - make them miss some, force them to work." pic.twitter.com/HMurC2OMrI
- Julian Ojeda (@jowepafm) 25 February 2026
"And so guarding guys like that, you can't stop them from scoring, but you can get your heart on them, make them miss some shots, just make them expend a lot of energy. So that's just what I'm trying to do. Kawhi obviously had a big night, but getting some stops and making it difficult and, you know, seeing him as a great player and just a creator with the ball in his hands, you know, he just Know what my body is trying to show you, be there when it's trying to show off, pretend.
Banchero's offensive output remained steady. Against the Lakers, he added 10 rebounds and six assists while shooting 12 of 22 from the field and 10 of 11 from the free-throw line in 38 minutes.
Magic cover Luka Doncic as Banchero delivers late against Lakers
Head coach Jamahl Mosley emphasized the collective challenge of defending Doncic while highlighting Banchero's timely shot making.
"Listen, sometimes when he shoots, you just have to hope it doesn't go in. Because he's so good and when the game was on the line, he took the big three that put them up by three. And Paolo comes back and hits one. As soon as he goes up in a corner, you know it's good because that's what he did. I've seen him do it. He did it when we were in Dallas when we played in Portland. I did the same thing. Saw the perfect shot. So you just have to keep mixing up the coverages against him, make it tough, try your best to make it without fouls, and just keep making it tough against him."
Orlando limited Doncic's efficiency, holding him below his season average of 32.5 points. With the win, the Magic improved to 31–26 and had road wins over both Los Angeles teams in the same season for the first time since 2012–13.
The Magic return home on Thursday to begin a four-game homestand against the Houston Rockets (35-21). As Orlando continues its push into the Eastern Conference standings, Banchero's willingness to defend elite scorers while carrying the offensive load underscores the franchise cornerstone's growing two-way ceiling.
