Paolo Banchero joins an elite club with a 36-point masterpiece against the Lakers

Paolo Banchero had a 36-point performance on Tuesday night and lifted the Orlando Magic to a 110-109 victory over the Los Angeles Lakerscompleting a four-game Western Conference road trip and putting his name alongside the legends of the franchise.

Banchero finished with a career-high 36 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in 38 minutes. He shot 12-for-22 from the field, 2-for-6 from 3-point range and 10-for-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 his 14th career game with at least 35 points. That 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).

The performance also marked the third time in Buncher’s career that he had at least 35 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in a game. That 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 aggressive, downhill offense against the Lakers

Coach Jamal Moseley credited Buncher’s pressure and assertiveness as the driving force behind the win.

“Yeah, I just think his level of aggression, quick decision making, going downhill, finding the matchup he likes, attacking the basket, putting pressure on the 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 them downhill. And then getting them downhill.

Jamal Mosley on Paolo Banchero’s 36 in win over Lakers:

“His aggression — going downhill and to the line 11 times. That’s focus. That’s determination.

“He creates a mismatch. Drive and hit to Desmond for three – big play.” pic.twitter.com/vgAKSpc0Bkv

— Julian Ojeda (@jovepafm) February 25, 2026

Mosley highlighted Buncher’s ability to create mismatches and make timely decisions, including a late drive and layup that led to Desmond Bain’s key 3-pointer.

“So he’s just continuing to be an aggressor. As soon as he steps on the floor, he’s creating a mismatch. He’s got eyes on him. These guys are loaded on him. So his ability to make quick decisions, going downhill, that last play he goes downhill on offense and splashes it to Desmond for a knockdown three, and that’s a big time stretch.”

Magic momentum builds after statement wins in Los Angeles

Banchero echoed that 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 passes. Yeah, just being aggressive when the ball’s in my hands, you know, the defense respects me and always looks for my passes, and also.”

The 23-year-old is averaging 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 game. On the season, he averaged 21.5 points, a record 8.4 rebounds and five assists in 46 games, while shooting 45% from the field.

Paolo Banchero on his aggressive mindset against the Lakers

“I’m just being aggressive downhill and making plays for others. It opens up the game for me. When the ball is in my hands, it’s about chasing my shots and keeping the defense honest with my passes.” pic.twitter.com/VD3vfzJKig

— Julian Ojeda (@jovepafm) February 25, 2026

The victory also had historical significance. As noted by Jason Bead of the Orlando Sentinel on X, Orlando wins over the Clippers (111-109) and the Lakers (110-109) marked the franchise first season since 2012-13 in which they defeated both teams from Los Angeles on the road.

The Magic return home to open a four-game stretch Thursday against the Houston Rockets (35-21) at 7:30 PM ET on Prime Video, looking to extend their two-game winning streak behind Buncher’s ascension into elite company.