JJ Redick Blames Lakers' Defense For Franz Wagner's Fourth Quarter Performance

The Orlando Magic had Franz Wagner to thank for their 118-106 win over the Los Angeles Lakers at the Kia Center on Monday. Wagner ensured there would be no stunning comeback by taking over in the fourth quarter, and Lakers head coach JJ Redick explained what he'd have liked his team to do to slow down the German.

"Not letting him get to his right hand would be one," Redick said. "We have a phrase, redding up or red up, when we switch, and we were very much passive when we switched onto the ball. [Paolo] hit a three on that. When you don't red up against a guy like Wagner, he's now got a step into your airspace with thrust and momentum and he's hard to stop."

The Lakers had managed to trim down a 17-point Magic lead in the fourth quarter to 100-93 with 5:39 left in the game. They had the momentum but then allowed Wagner to turn the tide in the Magic's favor. He scored or assisted on 11 of the next 12 points for the hosts to put them up 112-98 and all but end the game.

Wagner put 11 points in the fourth quarter to finish with 32 points (13-26 FG), five rebounds, nine assists, and one steal against the Lakers. He helped the Magic sweep the season series, having shone in the first meeting on Nov. 21, 2024, too.

Wagner had 37 points (13-26 FG), six rebounds, 11 assists, and four steals to lead the Magic to a 119-118 win over the Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. He had 15 points in the fourth quarter that night and hit an incredible game-winner too.

Redick revealed in his pre-game press conference that he had told his players to treat Wagner like he's Anthony Edwards before that first meeting. The German demanded that kind of attention in Redick's eyes.

"I like nearly everything about his game," Redick said. "He's a star... Our coverage versus him was going to be similar to what we said our Anthony Edwards coverage was. So, I told the guys pregame or in our meeting that morning, like, Franz Wagner is Anthony Edwards. Treat him like Anthony Edwards. And then he just boned us, just killed us. Just a great level of respect for him. He’s a phenomenal player.”

Well, Wagner killed the Lakers again. He's fared much better against them than Edwards has this season, with the Minnesota Timberwolves star averaging just 19.0 points per game on 40% shooting from the field. 

Redick and the Lakers would be glad they don't have to deal with Wagner again this season. He has averaged 34.5 points per game against them this season, which is the highest among players who have faced the Lakers at least twice in 2024-25. Talk about domination.

Wagner handed the Lakers their third straight loss here to drop them to 43-28 this season. They're going to be desperate for a return to winning ways when they take on the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday at 7:30 PM ET.