And few other teams would benefit more from a boost than the Lakers, who play their first in-season tournament game on Friday night against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center.

“A win,” Taurean Prince said. “At this point, that’s all we’re looking for right now. We know who is on that team. We know who can possibly be on the floor. So, it’s more so just about making sure that we’re ready and ready to step up to the challenge.”

The Lakers are coming off their worst loss of the early season – an embarrassing 128-94 defeat to the Houston Rockets.

Even with the Lakers being shorthanded and undersized, with Anthony Davis (left adductor/hip) and Jaxson Hayes (left ankle) sidelined in addition to Gabe Vincent (knee), Jarred Vanderbilt (heel) and Jalen Hood-Schifino (knee), problems that have consistently plagued L.A. were present against the Rockets.

There was a slow start. The offensive rebounds allowed. The offense stagnated for significant stretches and the shotmaking wasn’t there to make up for it.

“The game is always, in my opinion, won by doing the little things, the details: sprinting back in transition defense – that’s why we’ve been harping on that all year and will continue to harp on that,” Coach Darvin Ham said. “Being active. Helping your teammates out. Being great on the ball. And then getting hits and trying to come up with long, difficult rebounds and 50-50 balls.

“The second-chance points that we give teams and the second and third opportunities, that’s been a little bit of an Achilles heel for us. That definitely has to get corrected.”

Maybe the tournament will give the Lakers (3-5) more incentive to pick up their play, going 0-3 on the four-game road trip so far and 0-5 on the road for the season.

The Suns (4-4) will be the Lakers’ first group-stage game, with games still to come against the Memphis Grizzlies (Tuesday), Portland Trail Blazers (Nov. 17) and Utah Jazz (Nov. 21) as part of West Group A play.

Eight teams will advance from group play into the knockout rounds: the six group winners and two “wild cards” – the team from each conference with the best record in group-play games that finished second in its group.

The knockout rounds will feature single-elimination games in the quarterfinals (Dec. 4-5), semifinals (Dec. 7) and championship (Dec. 9). The semifinals and championship will take place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

In-season tournament prize pool money will be allocated to the players on the teams that participate in the knockout rounds:

• Players on the team that wins the championship: $500,000 each

• Players on the losing team in the championship game: $200,000 each

• Players on the teams that lose in the semifinals: $100,000 each

• Players on teams that lose in the quarterfinals: $50,000 each

There’s also a financial prize pool for coaches, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

“Everybody’s fighting for playoff position and fighting for obviously the Larry O’Brien (trophy), so, that’s competitive within itself,” Lakers big man Anthony Davis said. “It was more so just for a lot of players resting and doing that during the season. Now, they play, obviously.

“I don’t even think it’s the trophy – everybody loves money, put the money in front of them. Especially that amount, you kind of pick it up a little bit. So, now it makes it seem like every game matters leading up to the in-season tournament finals or whatever it’s called. And then just carrying over to [the] finish [of] regular season to the playoffs.”

Ham thinks the tournament is here to stay.

“It’s great for the league whenever you can play meaningful basketball,” Ham said. “Obviously, the money matters. The winning purses and the purses all the way down the line, definitely matters. Any time you can get meaningful basketball this early in the season, it’s great for the league. It’s great for our fans. Guys are engaged early, focused and it’ll be a lot of fun. It’ll be a mainstay in our league.”

LAKERS AT SUNS

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Where: Footprint Center, Phoenix

TV/radio: ESPN, Spectrum SportsNet, 710 AM

• 

  The Houston Rockets’ Jae’Sean Tate, left, collides with Lakers forward Rui Hachimura during the first half on Wednesday night in Houston. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

• 

  Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green tries to protect the ball from Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell, center, as Lakers forward Cam Reddish (5) looks on during the first half on Wednesday night in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

• 

  Lakers forward LeBron James looks to wrap a pass around the Houston Rockets’ Alperen Sengun during the first half on Wednesday night in Houston. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

• 

  Lakers forward LeBron James wraps a pass around the Houston Rockets’ Alperen Sengun during the first half on Wednesday night in Houston. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

• 

  The Houston Rockets’ Jalen Green gestures after making a 3-point shot during the first half of their game against the Lakers on Wednesday night in Houston. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

• 

  Lakers forward LeBron James puts up a shot over the Houston Rockets’ Dillon Brooks during the first half on Wednesday night in Houston. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

• 

  Lakers forward LeBron James, left, smiles at Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks during the first half on Wednesday night in Houston. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

• 

  Lakers forward Rui Hachimura, center, has his shot blocked by Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green as forward Jabari Smith Jr., left, looks on during the first half on Wednesday night in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

• 

  The Houston Rockets’ Tari Eason, right, celebrates a basket with Dillon Brooks during the first half of their game against the Lakers on Wednesday night in Houston. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

• 

  Lakers forward Rui Hachimura puts up a shot as the Houston Rockets’ Jabari Smith Jr. defends during the first half on Wednesday night in Houston. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

• 

  Lakers forward Taurean Prince drives in front of Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr., back, during the first half on Wednesday night in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

• 

  Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun, center, recovers the ball after it was knocked away by Lakers forward LeBron James, right, as forward Christian Wood (35) looks on during the first half on Wednesday night in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

• 

  Lakers forward LeBron James drives to the basket as the Houston Rockets’ Jae’Sean Tate defends during the first half on Wednesday night in Houston. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

• 

  Lakers forward LeBron James shoots in front of Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks during the first half on Wednesday night in Houston. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

• 

  The Houston Rockets’ Jalen Green soars to the basket for a dunk during the first half of their game against the Lakers on Wednesday night in Houston. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

• 

  Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell shoots as Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet defends during the first half on Wednesday night in Houston. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

• 

  Lakers forward Rui Hachimura, left, looks to pass the ball as Houston Rockets forward Jae’Sean Tate defends during the first half on Wednesday night in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

• 

  Lakers forward LeBron James drives to the basket in front of the Houston Rockets’ Alperen Sengun, right, during the first half on Wednesday night in Houston. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

• 

  Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green gestures after making a 3-point shot during the first half of their game against the Lakers on Wednesday night in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

• 

  Lakers forward Rui Hachimura dunks in front of Houston Rockets guards Aaron Holiday and Jalen Green, right, during the first half on Wednesday night in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

• 

  Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet, left, and Lakers forward Cam Reddish chase a loose ball during the first half on Wednesday night in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

• 

  Lakers forward LeBron James drives to the basket as Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun defends during the first half on Wednesday night in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

• 

  Lakers forward Rui Hachimura, center, is blocked out on a free throw attempt by Houston Rockets forwards Jae’Sean Tate, left, and Jabari Smith Jr. during the first half on Wednesday night in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

• 

  Lakers forward LeBron James drives around Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks during the first half on Wednesday night in Houston. The Lakers lost, 128-94, in a game that was non-competitive for most of the second half. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

• 

  Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr., front, shields the ball from Lakers forward LeBron James during the first half on Wednesday night in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

• 

  The Houston Rockets’ Jalen Green drives to the basket as Lakers guard Max Christie defends during the second half on Wednesday night in Houston. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

• 

  Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks (9) yells toward Lakers forward LeBron James from the bench during the second half on Wednesday night in Houston. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

• 

  The Houston Rockets’ Jae’Sean Tate shoots as Lakers forward Rui Hachimura defends during the second half on Wednesday night in Houston. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

• 

  Houston Rockets guard Aaron Holiday saves a ball from going out of bounds during the second half of their game against the Lakers on Wednesday night in Houston. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

• 

  Houston Rockets forward Jae’Sean Tate, left, reaches around to knock the ball away from Lakers forward LeBron James during the second half on Wednesday night in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

• 

  Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet, center, drives through Lakers defenders Taurean Prince, right, and LeBron James during the second half on Wednesday night in Houston. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

• 

  Lakers forward LeBron James looks on during the second half of their lopsided loss to the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night in Houston. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

• 

  The Houston Rockets’ Nate Williams drives against Lakers center Colin Castleton during the second half on Wednesday night in Houston. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

• 

  Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green takes a shot as Lakers guard Max Christie, center right, defends and guard D’Angelo Russell, far left, and forward Taurean Prince look on during the second half on Wednesday night in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

• 

  Lakers guard Austin Reaves, left, reaches for a loose ball as Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr., right, hits him in the face as he reaches back during the second half on Wednesday night in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

• 

  The Houston Rockets’ Tari Eason drives as Lakers center Colin Castleton defends during the second half on Wednesday night in Houston. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

• 

  Houston Rockets guard Aaron Holiday handles the ball during the second half of their game against the Lakers on Wednesday night in Houston. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

• 

  The Houston Rockets’ Jalen Green drives to the basket as the Lakers’ Taurean Prince defends during the second half on Wednesday night in Houston. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

• 

  Lakers guard D’Moi Hodge talks with Coach Darvin Ham during the second half of their game against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

• 

  Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun, center, drives between Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell, left, and forward Rui Hachimura during the second half on Wednesday night in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

• 

  Houston Rockets players celebrate from the bench during the second half of their blowout victory over the Lakers on Wednesday night in Houston. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

• 

  Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell walks off the court after their 128-94 loss to the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night in Houston. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

• 

  Lakers star LeBron James warms up before their game against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night in Houston. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

• 

  Lakers star LeBron James warms up before their game against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night in Houston. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

• 

  Lakers star LeBron James warms up before their game against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night in Houston. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

• 

  Lakers star LeBron James warms up before their game against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night in Houston. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

HOUSTON — If Monday was a step toward figuring out the Lakers’ struggles on the road, then Wednesday’s 128-94 loss to the Houston Rockets was – at least – two steps in the opposite direction.

The Lakers (3-5) were dominated in nearly every facet by the Rockets (4-3) in a game that highlighted several of the issues that have plagued them early in the season.

“No one comes in wanting to be flat or a step slow or whatnot,” Coach Davin Ham said. “Our guys came in to compete. They had it going a little bit early. A couple [of] miscues, wasn’t really good on the ball defensively. Our off-ball defense needed to be better. It’s tough. We’re juggling different circumstances – guys being in and out of the lineup. But at the end of the day, no one is gonna feel sorry for you.”

There was another slow start, with Houston opening the game on an 8-0 run before pushing the margin to a 22-12 lead and then a 32-19 advantage by the end of the first quarter, making it six times in eight games that the Lakers have trailed by double digits in the opening period.

There were the three first-quarter offensive rebounds by Houston that produced eight second-chance points, with the Rockets ultimately finishing with 24.

And with the Lakers missing multiple rotation players, including big men Anthony Davis and Jaxson Hayes, there was the continuous exploitation of the team’s lack of interior size. The Rockets had 44 points in the paint in the first half, leading them to a 66-45 lead midway through the game, before finishing with 68 after a non-competitive second half.

“They played downhill a lot,” Ham said. “Hard cuts. Drives. And they played the way they’ve been playing this year: a lot of ball movement, a lot of off-ball cutting, off-ball screening. They’re gonna be a handful to deal with this year. If they keep up at this rate, they’ll be a handful for not just us but the other 28 teams besides us.”

Even when it seemed like the Lakers were finding a rhythm, the scoreboard offered a sobering reminder that the game was out of reach for more than half the matchup, with the Lakers trailing by at least 20 for the entire second half and 28 after three quarters.

“We can’t build cohesion if we don’t have our unit,” said LeBron James, who had a season-low 18 points to go with six rebounds and two assists in 27 minutes. “It’s that simple. We’re very depleted on the injury side. We did a good job of sharing the ball offensively early on. We just couldn’t get in a rhythm offensively and they were shooting the ball extremely well.”

One of the few bright spots for the Lakers was the return of forward Rui Hachimura, who led them with 24 points (10-of-14 shooting), eight rebounds and two assists in 25 minutes off the bench after missing four games because of an eye contusion and the concussion protocol.

“[Wednesday] we weren’t great,” guard D’Angelo Russell said, “but he was good.”

Russell also had 22 points (9-of-18 shooting, 4 for 7 from 3-point range) and four assists, but most of his scoring production (15 points on 6-of-8 shooting) came during a third quarter in which the game was out of reach.

Jalen Green led the Rockets with 28 points (11-of-15 shooting, 5 for 6 from 3-point range), seven rebounds and three assists in 22 minutes, sitting out the fourth quarter.

Alperen Sengun had 19 points (8 for 10 from the field), seven rebounds and four assists, taking advantage of the absence of Davis and the Lakers’ lack of size in the middle.

The Rockets shot 54.8% (51 for 93) overall and finished 14 for 33 from behind the arc while outrebounding the Lakers 57-34.

“They’re going to be a handful to deal with this year,” Ham said. “If they keep up at this rate, they’ll be a handful not just for us, but the other 28 teams besides us.”

The Lakers, who are 0-5 on the road for just the third time in franchise history, will once again look for their first victory away from home on Friday against the Phoenix Suns in their first in-season tournament matchup.

"We can't build cohesion if we don't have our unit… We're very depleted on the injury side." LeBron James speaks on the #Lakers early struggles. pic.twitter.com/QAK1QthETo

— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) November 9, 2023

“At the end of the day, you know no one’s gonna feel sorry for you, especially when you’re a Los Angeles Laker.” Darvin Ham speaks on starting 0-5 on the road this season. pic.twitter.com/NBNz29oees

— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) November 9, 2023

After a four-game absence because of the concussion protocol, Lakers forward Rui Hachimura returned to the lineup. But star big man Anthony Davis missed his first game because of left adductor/hip spasms.

Jaxson Hayes also missed his second consecutive game because of a sprained left ankle.

“We’re treating it,” Coach Darvin Ham said. “It’s a day-to-day thing. He experienced a little bit of swelling, so we’re just trying to be careful with it.

Davis suffered the injury in Monday’s loss to the Heat in Miami. He said after Wednesday morning’s shootaround that he was feeling “a lot better than whenever it happened” and that he’d get more treatment in the afternoon before a decision was made about his availability. Davis was ruled out an hour before tipoff.

This left the Lakers with nine available players, excluding players signed to two-way contracts: Hachimura, D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Taurean Prince, LeBron James, Christian Wood, Cam Reddish, Max Christie and Maxwell Lewis.

Wood started in Davis’ place alongside Russell, Reaves, Prince and James.

The Lakers have had just eight or nine non-two-way deal players available for all of November. Ham admitted there’s frustration with the dilemma of balancing players’ health with the goals of building continuity within lineups but he said it’s also allowed for an opportunity “to see who can do what.”

“The new pieces we’ve acquired, the guys that have come back having larger roles, in some sense, it allows you to see that aspect within the totality of your team,” Ham added. “Obviously, you’d like for people to be healthy. But different guys getting the opportunity to go out there – Cam Reddish, those guys like that, Max Christie – seeing those young guys get a chance to impact our lineup, impact the game, impact winning and see what they can bring.

“It’s a process of discovery. We’ll get our bodies back. It’s just funny because it’s like someone’s coming back, someone’s going out. So you just have to navigate that as best you can. Our No. 1 priority is not to put our guys in a position where they can do extreme damage to themselves. So we just have to be patient.”

LEAGUE CONTACT

Ham confirmed pregame that the Lakers contacted the league office Tuesday about what they believed were “numerous missed foul calls”, according to ESPN, in Monday’s loss to the Heat.

Ham said it’s “good communication” when a team contacts the league (many do), but didn’t directly address whether he expects that the Lakers are going to start getting the fouls called that they feel they deserve.

“The thing I think that needs to be understood is we’re not campaigning for favors,” Ham said. “We just want balance and consistency and whatever that’s happening is being called. And that’s all. That’s the only point we’re trying to make is that it’s a fair whistle – and I’ll just leave it there.”

On one hand, Anthony Davis, who didn’t play for the final 14 minutes because of hip spasms, expressed confidence that he’ll be available for Wednesday’s game against the Houston Rockets (3-3).

“I feel confident, I know my body,” the All-Star big man said. “Obviously, when you sleep, things can calm down or arise, but I’m very optimistic. I got it loose and got it feeling good. Just talking to my trainer, everything’s going to be fine.”

The Lakers (3-4) started the game better after entering Monday as, statistically, the league’s worst first-quarter team. And despite having limited players available for the final stretch, they went on a 10-1 run with less than four minutes remaining as part of a comeback attempt that ultimately fell short.

“I’m so proud of our guys,” Coach Darvin Ham said. “Just the way they came out, didn’t quit, didn’t fold the tent, stayed competitive. It sucks not to get the W but I’m sure we’ll get our fair share in these next 75 games. Again, a little disappointed we didn’t finish it out but saw a ton of great things out there.”

On the other hand, there was dissatisfaction.

Disappointment with another road loss, with the Lakers remaining winless on the road (0-4) entering Wednesday.

But also frustration with how the game was officiated – which carried over into Tuesday.

ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported, citing unnamed sources, that the Lakers contacted the league office Tuesday about what they believed were “numerous missed foul calls” in Monday’s loss. The report added that a focus of the Lakers’ ire was how LeBron James was officiated.

James only attempted four free throws, making all of them, against the Heat.

“The explanations of what they’re telling me are not consistent with what’s actually happening on the floor,” James said. “When I went for the dunk attempt against Thomas Bryant, he clearly elbowed – like, arm straight across my face. And I asked him for the explanation – well, one of the refs said that he was straight up, hands straight in the air. Two of the refs said they were blocked and they didn’t see it.

“One of my transition plays, I was going in transition and got fouled and nobody saw it. I just, I don’t know. I’m going over to them respectfully and telling them what’s going on in the plays and I consistently go to the line three or four times a game. Sometimes not even at all. Which is weird. We had some tough break calls, for sure. And not in our favor.”

James is averaging 5.7 free throw attempts per game this season, down from 5.9 last season and six the year before, despite averaging more drives (12) and shot attempts out of drives (5.7) than he did in 2022-23 (9.7; 4.6) and 2021-22 (8.7; 3.8).

If he stays at 5.7 free throws per game, it’d tie a single-season low for his 21-year NBA career.

“We just want balance and consistency, that’s it,” Ham said. “I see Bron shooting four free throws. And the [number] of times he attacked the rim, the [number] of times he was slapped on the arm, which I could see plain as day, for that not to be called, man … he’s not flopping. I’m watching him go to the hole strong.

“I just need an explanation on certain plays that I felt like should’ve gone the other way or should’ve not been called. Some things need to be communicated. It’s a big part of our game in order for us to make the game as special as it can be.”

There were also the pair of technical fouls D’Angelo Russell drew for arguing a non-call in the fourth quarter. Plus the technical foul Ham got late in the third and their delay-of-game technical late in the fourth – the Heat’s lone point in the final four minutes.

The Lakers’ frustration was palpable. But with another opportunity to end their road woes right around the corner, they understood they had to move on.

“It’s still a part of the process,” Russell said. “This is the adversity that we need as a group. We still had a chance to win the game with guys out. With all the nonsense that was going on, we still had a chance. That’s all you can ask for. Unfortunately, we didn’t win the game, but there are still some positives to gain from this one.”

LAKERS AT ROCKETS

When: Wednesday, 5 p.m.

Where: Toyota Center Center, Houston

TV/radio: Spectrum SportsNet, 710 AM

• 

  Lakers forward Anthony Davis, right, shoots over Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

• 

  Lakers forward LeBron James (23) defends Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

• 

  Lakers forward Cam Reddish (5) is fouled by Miami Heat center Thomas Bryant, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

• 

  Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) shoots during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Lakers, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

• 

  Lakers guard Austin Reaves gestures after making a 3-point shot during the first half of their game against the Miami Heat on Monday night in Miami. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

• 

  Lakers forward Christian Wood drives as Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. defends during the first half on Monday night in Miami. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

• 

  Lakers forward Taurean Prince, right, dunks as Miami Heat forward Haywood Highsmith (24) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

• 

  Lakers guard Austin Reaves drives against the Miami Heat’s Josh Richardson during the first half on Monday night in Miami. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

• 

  Lakers star LeBron James shoots during the first half of their game against the Miami Heat on Monday night in Miami. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

• 

  Lakers forward LeBron James (23) drives to the basket as Miami Heat guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. (11) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

• 

  Lakers forward LeBron James (23) drives to the basket as Miami Heat forward Haywood Highsmith (24) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

• 

  Lakers star LeBron James drives against the Miami Heat’s Jaime Jaquez Jr. during the first half on Monday night in Miami. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

• 

  Lakers star LeBron James reacts during the first half of their game against the Miami Heat on Monday night in Miami. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

• 

  Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) goes to the basket as Lakers forward LeBron James, left, defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

• 

  Lakers star LeBron James drives against Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler during the first half on Monday night in Miami. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

• 

  Lakers star LeBron James drives as the Miami Heat’s Kyle Lowry, right, defends during the first half on Monday night in Miami, Florida. James had a game-high 30 points in the Lakers’ 108-107 loss. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

• 

  Lakers star LeBron James, left, and the Miami Heat’s Jaime Jaquez Jr. compete for the ball during the first half on Monday night in Miami. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

• 

  Lakers star LeBron James reacts after being fouled during the first half of their game against the Miami Heat on Monday night in Miami. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

• 

  Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) shoots as Lakers forward Taurean Prince (12) defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

• 

  Lakers coach Darvin Ham watches from the sideline during the second half of their game against the Miami Heat on Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

• 

  Miami Heat guard Duncan Robinson drives to the basket past Lakers guard Austin Reaves during the second half on Monday night in Miami. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

• 

  Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler drives to the basket against Lakers forward Christian Wood during the second half on Monday night in Miami. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

• 

  Lakers forward LeBron James dunks during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

• 

  Miami Heat guard Kyle Lowry handles the ball as Lakers forward LeBron James defends during the second half on Monday night in Miami. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

• 

  Lakers forward LeBron James, right, is fouled by Miami Heat center Thomas Bryant (31) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

• 

  Lakers forward LeBron James talks with referee James Williams during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

• 

  Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro drives as Lakers forward Cam Reddish defends during the second half on Monday night in Miami. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

• 

  Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler, right, shoots as Lakers guard Austin Reaves defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

• 

  Miami Heat forward Duncan Robinson looks to pass as Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

• 

  Lakers guard Austin Reaves, center, attempts a shot as Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) and guard Tyler Herro (14) defend during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

• 

  Lakers forward LeBron James blocks a shot by Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

• 

  Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra, center, watches during the second half of their game against the Lakers on Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

• 

  The Miami Heat’s Tyler Herro drives to the basket past Lakers forward LeBron James, left, during the second half on Monday night in Miami. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

• 

  Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo goes to the basket as Lakers forward LeBron James defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

• 

  Miami Heat forward Bam Adebayo flexes after making a basket during the second half of their game against the Lakers on Monday night in Miami. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

• 

  Lakers forward LeBron James, left, and forward Anthony Davis stand on the court after their loss to the Miami Heat on Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

• 

  Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo, left, and Lakers forward LeBron James, right, meet on the court after an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

• 

  Miami Heat forward Kevin Love, left, and Lakers forward LeBron James meet on the court after an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

• 

  Lakers star LeBron James warms up prior to their game against the Miami Heat on Monday night in Miami. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

• 

  A Heat Culture sign is displayed at the center of the court during the first half of a game between the Miami Heat and the Lakers on Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

MIAMI — Entering Monday’s road game against the Miami Heat, a lot of attention was given to the Lakers’ slow starts.

Which made them playing the Heat to a draw in the first quarter a step in the right direction.

But despite Anthony Davis trying to play through a hip ailment for most of the third quarter and LeBron James (30 points, four rebounds, three blocked shots, three assists) and Austin Reaves (23 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists) combining for 53 points, the Lakers came up short in a 108-107 loss to the Heat at Kaseya Center.

“I’m so proud of our guys,” coach Darvin Ham said. “Just the way they came out, didn’t quit, didn’t fold the tent, stayed competitive. A lot of things we talked about this [Monday] morning came to fruition. A little disappointed we didn’t finish it out but saw a ton of great things out there: the fight, the intensity, the competitive spirit, guys going downhill making plays with force.”

Davis said he first felt the spasms when he spun in the second quarter.

He was holding his left hip after getting back on defense towards the end of the quarter and seemed to aggravate the injury after being bumped by Miami’s Bam Adebayo (22 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists) on his left side on Adebayo’s midrange fadeaway jumper.

Davis didn’t make it back up the floor for back-to-back offensive possessions for the Lakers (3-4) before subbing out with 2:17 left in the second, with Christian Wood (12 points, six rebounds) taking his spot.

“Just an awkward play,” Davis said. “I just felt it right away, just off the spin. I think [Heat rookie and former UCLA forward Jamie] Jaquez [Jr.] and then Bam came up and it was just like a weird little sequence. I actually had been feeling great even though I’ve been playing 40 minutes, 42 or whatever. I’ve been feeling really good. It’s just an awkward play.”

With Davis off the court, the Heat (3-4) scored on three straight possessions, but a 3-pointer from Wood and a putback dunk from Reaves trimmed their deficit to 62-59 at halftime.

The Lakers said Davis was experiencing hip spasms, but Davis returned to the court in the second half and tried to play through the ailment twice in the third quarter.

But he appeared to once again irritate his hip while trying to keep up with Jimmy Butler on a cut, subbing out for the third and final time with the Lakers down 87-75 with 1:41 in the third – which was ultimately the game-deciding quarter. The Heat had five offensive rebounds and nine second-chance points in the third, which they won 28-20.

Davis wasn’t officially ruled out but didn’t return to play any minutes in the fourth.

“I felt fine a couple [of] times I did go back in,” Davis said. “It just kinda spazzed up those two more times. But I’ll be ready to go for Wednesday [against the Houston Rockets], for sure.”

The Lakers trimmed their deficit to 92-86 early in the fourth, but D’Angelo Russell was ejected with 7:52 left for picking up a pair of technical fouls for arguing.

According to the league’s pool report, Russell received his first unsportsmanlike technical foul for “an overt gesture” reacting to a no-call involving a potential kickball before receiving his second unsportsmanlike technical foul for “disrespectfully addressing a game official with vulgarity.” The free throws by Tyler Herro put the Heat ahead 100-88 – just 32 seconds after the Lakers had a chance to get within three points.

The Lakers were already without five players – Rui Hachimura (concussion), Gabe Vincent (knee), Jaxson Hayes (ankle), Jarred Vanderbilt (heel) and Jalen Hood-Schifino (knee) – because of injuries. Because of Davis’ late-game injury absence and Russell’s ejection, the Lakers played James, Reaves, Wood, Cam Reddish and Taurean Prince for the final 7:52.

The Lakers got within 108-107 with 2:39 remaining after a James and-1 post-up capped a 10-1 Lakers run. Neither team scored in the final two minutes (Miami didn’t have a field goal in the final 4:15).

Adebayo was called for traveling with 8.9 seconds remaining, giving the Lakers a final chance. Reddish missed an open corner 3-point attempt off a drive and kick from James before the final buzzer, keeping the Lakers winless on the road (0-4).

“Just be ready again,” James said of his message to Reddish. “Because there will be many more opportunities. Especially from me. I know I’m going to see two defenders late in games. So, just be ready.”

Butler scored 28 points, Herro had 22 and Duncan Robinson added 12 for the Heat. Jaquez scored nine.

Ham also got a technical late in the third, and the Lakers had a delay-of-game technical – those free throws all proving costly in a one-point loss.

“All I want is an explanation sometimes,” Ham said. “To not get that for the rest of the game once I got my technical … Miami plays a physical brand of basketball. We’re not complaining about how physical they are. We just want balance and consistency. That’s it.”

The Lakers will get Tuesday off before getting another shot at their first road win against the Rockets at Toyota Center.

“I learned a lot being here,” James said. “And it was great times. Obviously, my four years here were great times playing for this franchise, playing under [Heat coach Erik Spoelstra]. Obviously being with [Dwyane Wade] and [Chris Bosh] and [Udonis Haslem] and so many other guys that we had on the court throughout the four years that we had.

“We did some really good things, some really special things down here. This is definitely a big part of my career.”

James played for the Heat from 2010-14, winning a pair of NBA championships (2012, ’13) and appearing in the NBA Finals all four seasons with Miami.

He joined the Heat as a free agent from the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he played for seven seasons (2003-10) before going to Miami and played another four years (2014-18) post-Miami before joining the Lakers as a free agent during the 2018 offseason.

“I just grew,” James said of his time with the Heat. “I was 25 years old when I came here. Still a kid even though I was seven years in. But I came here for one reason and one reason only, and that was to win championships. That was my only goal. That was the only reason I teamed up with D-Wade and Bosh.

“Because I felt like I couldn’t do it in Cleveland. I tried to recruit guys to come to Cleveland. I tried to go and help the upstairs and it wasn’t happening. So I had an opportunity to be a free agent, so I did what I thought was best, not only for my career but for me at that point in time. People talk about ‘Heat Culture’ – it was a culture change, period. I was changing everything about my life for the first time in my life. To be able to be here and be able to learn and be alongside D-Wade, UD and Spo – those guys who had won it already – it definitely was great to be a part of, for sure.”

Nearly a decade since leaving Miami, James, who turns 39 years old next month, is the oldest player in the league and still among its top players.

James, in his 21st NBA season, entered Monday averaging 24.5 points (56% shooting, 36.1% from 3-point range), 9.2 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.7 steals in 35.7 minutes.

Vince Carter has the record for most points averaged in a player’s 21st NBA season at 7.4 points, just ahead of Dirk Nowitzki (7.3), with both of them doing so during 2018-19. Only four other players besides Carter and Nowitzki have played a 21st NBA season: Moses Malone, Kevin Garnett, Kevin Willis and Robert Parish.

While he credited his time with the Heat for his growth as a player, James made it clear he felt he was already equipped with what he needed to achieve the longevity he’s had.

“I didn’t need to learn it here,” James said. “I didn’t learn anything from that. I’ve always taken care of my body. I’ve been stretching, icing and taking care of my body since I was like an eighth grader. I would still be at this level no matter if I would’ve [come] here or not.”

He added: “Let’s not get it twisted: the four years I was here, it was amazing. I loved everything about it, loved this franchise, this franchise is top tier [and] is one of the best franchises in the world. But as far as my career, my career was going to be my career as far as individually because I know how much I put into the game and I know how much I strived to be as great as I can be. [But] as far as what I able to learn here was second to none, that’s for sure.”

In addition to their “Heat Culture” city edition uniforms, the Heat also debuted their new court Monday night against the Lakers at Kaseya Center.

The court includes a message in the lane that says “Hardest working. Best conditioned. Most professional. Unselfish. Toughest. Meanest. Nastiest team in the NBA.”

James said he didn’t read the message on the court, saying he just saw the “Heat Culture” writing at midcourt, before adding that “Heat Culture” wasn’t a significant talking point during his time in Miami.

“You just come and you work and the product of how much you put in the work is going to pay off on the floor,” James said. “As a ballclub, we came in, we held ourselves accountable every day and we wanted to put the best product on the floor every night from what we were doing on the practice floor upstairs.”

James mentioned the Heat on a short list of sports franchises he’d consider to have “the same inner workings for the majority of their franchise [history]” to establish the culture Miami has, while also acknowledging the significance of buy-in from players.

“Obviously it starts from the top, but at the end of the day it’s the guys that are in the locker room holding guys accountable,” James said. “You can have the messaging come from the top, but if guys are not abiding by it or doubling down on it in the locker room and then applying it on the floor and applying it off the court and being model citizens, or whatever the case may be, then it still doesn’t matter.

“To just have a steady diet of the same people helps. That’s why I look at it like I do when you say Miami, you have [the] San Antonio [Spurs], you have the [Pittsburgh] Steelers, you have the [New England] Patriots. You have to look at those.”

Tonight's court for Lakers-Heat: pic.twitter.com/OHu04sWp7M

— Khobi Price (@khobi_price) November 6, 2023

That’s all the time it took for the Lakers to surrender their first offensive rebound in their 120-101 loss to the Orlando Magic – a problem that’s plagued them through the first six games of the season but one that reached a new low on Saturday.

Magic rookie guard Anthony Black slithered around Austin Reaves’ boxout attempt, with the Lakers’ third-year guard’s contact against Black being marginal and not preventing Black from getting where he wanted after crashing the offensive glass from outside the 3-point line.

Black got inside the restricted area, grabbing forward Franz Wagner’s missed 3-point attempt before swinging the ball to the opposite side to maintain possession for the Magic. The Lakers got lucky to not give up any second-chance points on the possession, with center Goga Bitadze eventually missing an open floater to close out the possession.

“We didn’t box out good enough,” Reaves said. “Mostly from the guard position. Our bigs are doing a good job trying to go get deflections, block shots. So that leaves their five, their four, whatever you want to say kind of with a free reign of trying to go get those and whoever is lowside on the backside, the guard position has got to step in and box out. Live and learn. Obviously, we need to learn because it’s hurt us in the past.”

The Lakers’ defensive rebounding woes continued to hurt them on Saturday.

A little over one minute later, Bitadze nudged LeBron James out of position inside the paint after a guard Jalen Suggs missed floater to grab another offensive rebound, with Orlando’s possession ending with a Suggs layup for the Magic’s first second-chance points. Orlando dominated the Lakers, who gave up 19 offensive rebounds for 36 second-chance points.

“It’s partially effort and it’s some technique,” Reaves said. “You’ve got to know how to box out, especially with a team like they have with Suggs and all those guards that crash, Anthony Black. They crash hard. And you just got to know the technique of not worrying about getting the rebound yourself, but just sacrificing yourself to not let them get it. It’s an effort thing as well.”

The Lakers have struggled to prevent offensive rebounds and second-chance points this season. Their 11.3 offensive rebounds allowed is tied for the league’s 10th-worst mark, and the 19.5 second-chance points allowed per game is the NBA’s worst mark.

They’ve been outscored 117-54 in second-chance points in six games, contributing to their early-season point differential of minus-23.

“You can’t scheme rebounding,” Coach Darvin Ham said. “You’ve got to want to get the damn ball. Plain and simple. The shot goes up, if your opponent is in your area, you’ve got to get hits, put bodies on bodies and be the most aggressive one to the ball. That’s it.

“There’s no play I can draw up to get more rebounds. There’s no play I can draw up to have more guys there. It’s something we’ve got to continuously work at and acknowledge when we’re doing it good and do a good job and when we do a poor job.”

The Lakers’ defensive rebounding woes are contributing to their slow starts.

They’re averaging 2.8 offensive rebounds allowed (tied for 19th) and 7.2 second-chance points allowed (last) in the first quarter. They’ve been outscored 205-144 in the opening period, with their minus-39.2 net rating (a team’s point differential per 100 possessions) in the first quarter being the league’s work mark.

“Seems like it’s our energy,” All-Star big man Anthony Davis said. “Other teams are coming out and playing a little bit more aggressive. It’s not even a skill or talent. It’s the offensive rebounds, turnovers leading to transition points, 50-50 balls, it’s those types of plays that get us down. Any time we’re able to hold a team to one shot, it’s hard to beat us. But we haven’t been able to do that.”

Defensive rebounding was a problem for last year’s team until the trade deadline, when they made moves to upgrade their size. Forward Jarred Vanderbilt (left heel bursitis – inflammation), forward Rui Hachimura (concussion protocol) and forward Taurean Prince (left patellar tendonitis) were among the players the Lakers played without against the Magic, taking away the size that could have helped with rebounding.

Are there concerns the slow starts and defensive rebounding woes could become season-long issues?

“Hopefully not,” Davis said. “Hopefully not. If so, then … who knows? Hopefully not. Starts on Monday. Fix the problem Monday, one game at a time. A lot of veterans on this team where we can control that. It’s not like young guys who don’t know what’s going on. We got to be better. And it’s the first five.”

LAKERS AT MAGIC

When: Monday, 4:30 p.m.

Where: Kaseya Center, Miami

TV/radio: Spectrum SportsNet, NBA TV, 710 AM

• 

  LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a call against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center on November 04, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)

• 

  Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham responds to a play during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Orlando Magic, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)

• 

  LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers throws a pass during the game against the Orlando Magic in the first half at Amway Center on November 04, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)

• 

  Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers fouls Paolo Banchero of the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center on November 04, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)

• 

  Paolo Banchero of the Orlando Magic drives past LeBron James and Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Amway Center on November 04, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)

• 

  Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers gestures to the bench during the second half of the game against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on November 04, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)

• 

  Paolo Banchero of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball over Cam Reddish of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Amway Center on November 04, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)

• 

  Paolo Banchero of the Orlando Magic fouls LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Amway Center on November 04, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)

• 

  Paolo Banchero of the Orlando Magic steals the ball off LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Amway Center on November 04, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)

• 

  Cam Reddish of the Los Angeles Lakers fouls Paolo Banchero of the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center on November 04, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)

• 

  Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James brings the ball up during the first half of the team’s NBA basketball game against the Orlando Magic, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)

• 

  Orlando Magic guard Joe Ingles looks to pass the ball during the first half of the team’s NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)

• 

  Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham responds to a play during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Orlando Magic, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)

• 

  Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) drives toward the basket while trailed by Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)

• 

  Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley walks the court during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)

ORLANDO, Fla. — After Orlando Magic big man Jonathan Isaac forced Anthony Davis to miss a turnaround jumper early in the fourth quarter, Franz Wagner grabbed the defensive rebound and hustled up the floor. He dribbled up the middle of the court five times from inside the paint by Orlando’s bench to just outside the free-throw line on the opposite side of the court without any Lakers play stepping in front of him.

By the time Wagner approached Austin Reaves inside the paint in front of the Lakers’ bench, Wagner’s older brother, Moe, made his way from beside where Franz grabbed the rebound to just outside the paint in front of the Lakers’ bench, ready for his younger brother to throw him an alley-oop with nothing but space between him and the Magic’s basket.

Franz connected with Moe for the alley-oop, throwing down the dunk and forcing Lakers coach Darvin Ham to call a timeout with his team down by 25.

The play was a microcosm of the Lakers’ 120-101 road loss to the Magic Saturday at Amway Center.

The Lakers (3-3) were outhustled. And despite Ham saying pregame that the team’s transition defense and defensive rebounding needed to be areas of focus, they were simply outworked, taking a 51-40 drubbing on the boards while playing without five injured players.

“Their energy, their effort, they outworked us,” Ham said. “And because of that energy and effort, they saw the ball go in. They did a great job of just playing fast continuously, covering for one another defensively and just pounding us on the glass.

All of the areas of the game that are associated with making the “hustle plays” went in the Magic’s favor.

The Lakers allowed the Magic to grab 19 offensive rebounds, which Orlando turned into 36 second-chance points.

“That’s definitely been our trend – offensive rebounds and points off turnovers,” said Lakers star LeBron James, who finished with 24 points, nine rebounds, five assists and three steals. “We’ll do a good job of getting a stop and then an offensive rebound allows them to score.”

“It definitely helps when you have bigger bodies,” James said. “We have three of our bigger bodies out right now with injuries. … It would help, but that’s definitely one of the ways we have to look at to get better.”

The Magic turned 17 Laker turnovers into 22 points and led by 25 points late in the third quarter. Orlando (4-2) outscored the Lakers 15-5 in fast-break points and ensured the 50-50 balls consistently went in its favor.

“It’s a huge, huge step backwards for us,” Ham said, “in terms of our defensive rebounding.”

It didn’t help the Lakers that they struggled to defend without fouling early and that the extra scoring opportunities they gave the Magic helped Orlando find its rhythm from behind the arc.

“When you’re playing catch up, from an energy standpoint, you’re going to be behind the eight ball all night,” Ham said. “And those shots become bigger, more pressing. At the end of the day, you’ve got to come play with effort. Energy and effort. You can’t coach effort. You’ve got to have that. It’s got to be in your brain. Whatever is going on, when you get to the gym, you’ve got to be locked into the mission at hand. And we just didn’t have it [Saturday].”

Neither did their own shooting struggles (26.7% from 3-point range), preventing them from bringing their deficit to less than 12 in the second half. And by the time they started to reestablish a rhythm in the fourth as part of a comeback attempt, they were once again outworked.

With 4:04 remaining, Cole Anthony knocked down a 3-pointer after a Goga Bitadze offensive rebound, giving the Magic a 113-97 lead, with Ham calling a timeout and taking out his rotation players.

“We got to do a better job of that and get that under wraps,” James said. “It’s something we should challenge ourselves for, for sure.”

Davis led the Lakers with 28 points (10-of-15 shooting), 13 rebounds, seven blocked shots and three assists, but they were a minus-24 in his 32 minutes. It was the 12th regular-season game of Davis’ career with he had seven-plus blocks, last doing it against the Memphis Grizzlies on Feb. 21, 2020.

James was a plus-12 in 35 minutes in the blowout loss, with the Lakers struggling on both ends when he was on the bench.

Reaves seems to be coming out of his slump, finishing with 20 points on 7-of-11 shooting from the field and 3 for 5 from 3-point range.

Franz Wagner had 26 points and five rebounds and Paolo Banchero had 25 points (9-of-15 shooting), 10 assists and seven rebounds in 34 minutes. Orlando’s reserves outscored their Laker counterparts 39-16.

The Lakers will remain in Florida, next playing the Miami Heat on Monday.

Not only was he part of the Day One rotation, but he’s now playing an even bigger role in light of the team’s injuries.

Reddish started his second consecutive game against the Orlando Magic on Saturday at Amway Center in place of veteran forward Taurean Prince, who was once again sidelined because of left patellar tendonitis.

And similar to when he primarily guarded All-Star wings Kawhi Leonard and Paul George in Wednesday’s home victory over the Clippers, Reddish once again received one of the top defensive assignments.

Reddish mainly guarded Magic third-year forward Franz Wagner, who entered the weekend as Orlando’s leading scorer at 18.6 points per game.

Coach Darvin Ham mentioned Reddish’s work on the defensive end can be his “niche” in the NBA after being on three teams (Atlanta Hawks, New York Knicks and Portland Trail Blazers) in his first four seasons before joining the Lakers.

“It’s going to be defense: 3-and-D, and he’s pretty athletic,” Ham said. “The kid is special. The only thing he needed was consistency. Just a program that’s going to put their arms around him and encourage him to constantly get better, simplify things and he’ll respond in a right way. He’s been awesome since he’s been an L.A. Laker.”

INJURY UPDATES

In addition to Prince, guard Gabe Vincent (left knee effusion – swollen joint), forward Jarred Vanderbilt (left heel bursitis – inflammation), forward Rui Hachimura (concussion protocol) and rookie guard Jalen Hood-Schifino (right patella contusion) and forward Taurean Prince (left patellar tendonitis) weren’t available against the Magic.

The Lakers announced on Thursday that Vincent will be re-evaluated in two weeks.

Ham said Hachimura’s return is “probably sooner than later.” He said the same thing about Prince, adding that his absence is precautionary.

Vanderbilt is expected to be re-evaluated next week, with Ham saying his return is “probably later than sooner.”

Ham added that Hood-Schifino is “still a few weeks out” adding that “he has a target date coming up here soon to be evaluated along with Vando.”

“Us having the type of roster we’ve assembled and how deep we are, it allows us to take our time with these guys,” Ham said. “We don’t have to rush them back out there when they’re 75-80-85%. And I don’t think anyone, once the season starts, you’re never a full, 100% anyway just going through the course of the season and all the knicks, knacks, bumps and bruises. I just feel like things are progressing nicely with those three and day by day, each day, they’re getting closer and closer to their return and everything is going according to plan.”

CITY EDITION JERSEYS

The Lakers unveiled their new City Edition uniforms for the 2023-24 season, which are deemed the “California Dream”.

The black uniform is inspired by “historic Lakers artwork and represents the Los Angeles dream and journey.” The uniforms feature a:

• Lakers triangle wordmark from the 1960s when the team began playing on the West Coast;

• Jersey trim transitions from purple to black “as a nod to the sky following a California sunset”;

• Jersey numbers that mirror the same style from 1999-2017 – with the Lakers winning five NBA championships in that timespan;

• Shorts with a partial official L.A. logo complete with speed marks, a detail that signifies the path of chasing a dream.

The Lakers are scheduled to debut the city edition jerseys against the Memphis Grizzlies on Nov. 14 at Crypto.com Arena as part of the in-season tournament group play.

From there, they’ll travel further south to play the Miami Heat on Monday before matchups against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday and the Phoenix Suns on Nov. 10. The matchup against the Suns will be the Lakers’ first in-season tournament game.

Here are three things to keep an eye on during the Lakers’ four-game swing:

BIGGER LINEUPS

An obvious caveat: the season is still very young, with Saturday’s matchup only being the Lakers’ sixth game.

But in the most competitive moments when they’re looking for any advantage, the Lakers so far have shown the tendency to lean on bigger lineups. And it’s worked each time.

The first win of the season over the Suns last week: playing the frontcourt of LeBron James, Christian Wood and Anthony Davis the entire fourth quarter – a quarter the Lakers won 28-11 to secure the victory.

The second win over the Magic on Monday: once again using the James-Wood-Davis frontcourt in crunch time, with the Lakers outsourcing Orlando 11-5 in the final 3:47 when those three shared the floor.

In the victory over the Clippers on Wednesday, it was the supersized frontcourt of Davis, Wood and Jaxson Hayes that swung the momentum in the Lakers’ favor in the third quarter before going back to the James-Wood-Davis trio to close out the victory in overtime.

Regardless of the iteration of the bigger lineup, each one has provided similar advantages: better rebounding on both ends of the court, better rim protection and more defensive playmaking.

“As a group, knowing that you have that length everywhere around the floor allows us to rebound better, allows us to switch out and make things a little more contested around the perimeter,” point guard D’Angelo Russell said. “It just gives us the opportunity to see how versatile a lot of the guys are we have on this team.”

REAVES’ SLOW START

Austin Reaves has had a slow start to his third NBA season, but how he finished the win over the Clippers could provide optimism that he is emerging from his shooting slump.

Reaves, who finished with 15 points on 5-of-13 shooting (5 for 5 on free throws) to go with seven assists, seven rebounds and three steals against the Clippers, scored 13 of those points on 4-of-8 shooting in the second half and overtime. This included a pair of baskets in overtime out of the pick-and-roll that helped seal the victory.

How Reaves looked in those moments resembled the player he was for the final stretch of last season and the playoff run to the Western Conference finals.

The Lakers rewarded him with a four-year, $54 million contract during the offseason. With that comes the expectation that’ll he break out of this shooting slump, becoming more efficient and productive in his minutes – something the Lakers are confident will happen.

Reaves is averaging 11 points on 34.5% shooting (21.1% from 3-point range), 4.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 31.2 minutes entering the road trip.

“I haven’t played bad,” Reaves said. “I haven’t made shots, and for me, there are a million other things that you can do on the court to help your team that not the normal fan or somebody that don’t really know basketball understands,” Reaves said. “People pull up box scores and they look, ‘Oh, you went 2-for-15 or …’ It could be anybody, it’s, ‘Oh, he played (like) trash.’

“That’s partially true. As an athlete, player, you want to make shots. I hold myself to a higher standard when it comes to that. But no athlete ever went through their whole career and played [perfectly]. You have these things happen and you just got to figure out a way to get through it.”

STEPPING UP

Who will step up with the Lakers already missing key rotation players because of injuries?

Guard Gabe Vincent (left knee effusion – joint swelling) and forward Jarred Vanderbilt (left heel bursitis – inflammation) aren’t expected to be available during the trip. Forward Rui Hachimura (concussion protocol) will miss his third consecutive game on Saturday. Rookie guard Jalen Hood-Schifino hasn’t been available in any games because of a right patella contusion (bruise).

Taurean Prince (left patellar tendonitis) is listed as questionable for Saturday after sitting out against the Clippers.

Second-year guard Max Christie was in the rotation for the first time against the Clippers because of the injuries. Will Ham expand the rotation in light of the injuries? Or will the players already in the rotation be relied on even more?

LAKERS AT MAGIC

When: Saturday, 4 p.m.

Where: Amway Center, Orlando, Fla.

TV/radio: Spectrum SportsNet, 710 AM