After an intense face-off with NBA legend LeBron James, forward Paolo Banchero of the Orlando Magic surprised the crowd and social media with an outstanding show of skill and confidence. During the game on Saturday night, the Magic defeated the LA Lakers with a score of 120-101, and the 20-year-old rookie made headlines.
Banchero finished the night with a significant 25-point contribution and performed a slick crossover that got him past James and a skillful layup, which increased the Magic’s lead. After this particular display of on-court prowess, LeBron was seemingly briefly overshadowed by the rookie’s brilliance.
NBA fans took to the social media platform “X” to share their thoughts on Banchero’s crossover. Some fans jokingly mocked James and expressed respect for Banchero. One user stated, “You don’t do the 🐐 like that….disrespectful.”
Paolo Banchero lost Lebron with the crossover 👀 pic.twitter.com/kONXZEShV6
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) November 5, 2023
Whereas another said, “Lebron was literally there but just a little bit slow. 3 seasons ago and he would’ve smashed Paolo away 😂.”
Paolo Banchero lost Lebron with the crossover 👀 pic.twitter.com/kONXZEShV6
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) November 5, 2023
Another fan added, “Lebron gonna get embarrassed more by young bucks like Paolo cause he’s washed” highlighting the impact of the moment.
Paolo Banchero lost Lebron with the crossover 👀 pic.twitter.com/kONXZEShV6
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) November 5, 2023
Despite being overshadowed in that viral video, LeBron still played an impressive performance with 24 points on the board for the Lakers. But with 28 points, Anthony Davis led the Lakers in scoring.
The match also highlighted the promising performance of the Magic’s lineup with Franz Wagner contributing 26 points and rookie Anthony Black getting his first start. Whereas the Lakers’ loss showed their struggle for consistency this season.
Paolo Banchero gave two word response after defeating LeBron James
Following the Orlando Magic’s win over the Los Angeles Lakers, Paolo Banchero had a cryptic two-word reaction that captured the importance of this victory for himself and his team. “New day,” the rookie said, hinting at a fresh start in the league for the Magic and a memorable win over his childhood idol LeBron James.
Court facilitator Paolo Banchero notched a 25-point, 10-assist double-double in tonight’s win over Los Angeles.
He’s alongside @DanteMagic, breaking down tonight’s collective team victory. 💪 pic.twitter.com/aCruFVc89x
— Bally Sports Florida: Magic (@BallyMagic) November 5, 2023
This phrase promises a hopeful shift for the Orlando Magic, who had previously faced losses to the Lakers. The young forward with an impressive 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 10 assists, seemed to declare his team as one of the strongest in the league.
Banchero’s performance, especially his play over James, shows his readiness to take on the best players in the NBA. Yesterday’s match was a standout moment for the Magic fans as they broke their seven-game losing streak against the Lakers, it was surely a “new day” for them.