Lakers blow 11-point lead in fourth, lose 103-97 in overtime to Magic

It’s not really surprising any longer, but the Lakers just keep losing.

The latest escapade was a disappearing 11-point lead in the fourth quarter and a 103-97 overtime loss Friday to the Orlando Magic.

That would be the same Orlando that fired its coach Thursday after losing a 10th consecutive game, a streak that ended behind a career-high 34 points from Tobias Harris and 25 points from Nikola Vucevic.

The Lakers (13-37) had chances to win in regulation but Jordan Clarkson missed a three-point attempt and Wayne Ellington had a three-point shot blocked at the buzzer after Robert Sacre got the rebound of Clarkson’s miss.

It turned into a second consecutive overtime defeat for the Lakers, losers of 12 of their last 13.

On the other hand, they established more control of the NBA’s fourth-worst record. Orlando (16-37) held the league’s fifth-worst mark coming into the night. The Lakers, as many of their followers know, retain the first-round draft pick they owe Phoenix if it’s a top-five selection.

Ryan Kelly had 15 points in the third quarter alone as the Lakers took a 78-69 lead into the fourth. They expanded it briefly from there but then fell apart. Again.

Kelly finished with 20 points. Clarkson, Carlos Boozer and Jeremy Lin each had 14 points.

Nick Young was scoreless in 16 minutes, missing all six of his shots.

The Lakers conclude a four-game trip Sunday in Cleveland.

Lakers 52, Magic 38 (halftime)

The Lakers and Orlando Magic have combined to win exactly one of their last 22 games.

Someone has to win Friday’s game, no?

The Lakers got the better start thanks to their point guards, taking a 14-point halftime edge at Amway Arena.

Starter Jordan Clarkson has 11 points and his backup, Jeremy Lin, has 10 points for the Lakers, who have lost 11 of their last 12 games. Clarkson made all five of his first-half shots while Lin made four of five.

Carlos Boozer was off to another decent game, scoring eight first-half points. He had a season-high 28 in the Lakers’ overtime loss to Milwaukee on Wednesday.

Tobias Harris has 17 points for Orlando (15-37), which fired Coach Jacque Vaughn Thursday after the Magic’s losing streak hit 10 games.

Pregame

The Lakers (13-36) visit the Orlando Magic (15-37) on Friday night, in a game that could have significant implications, looking ahead to the 2015 NBA draft.

After losing 10-straight games, the Magic fired their coach on Thursday, replacing Jacque Vaughn with Interim Head Coach James Borrego.

The Lakers have had their own struggles, dropping 11 of their last 12. The Lakers will play without Jordan Hill (hip) out, along with Kobe Bryant (shoulder), Julius Randle (knee) and Steve Nash (back), who are all done for the season.

Orlando rookie Aaron Gordon is expected to be available, after sitting out a game with a foot injury.

For an in-depth breakdown, check out check out Preview: Lakers at Orlando Magic.

Eric Pincus wrote the pregame part of this report.