Magic 96, Lakers 94

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Lakers made strides today, but not enough of them to defeat the Orlando Magic or end their losing streak, which reached three games. It’s their first three-game skid since January 2008, mere days before they acquired Pau Gasol from the Memphis Grizzlies. Kobe Bryant admitted he “cussed out” his teammates during their chat Saturday, after losses Thursday to the Miami Heat and Friday to the Charlotte Bobcats. He said he was pleased by the way they responded to the challenge of the Magic. He missed a 20-foot jumper at the buzzer that would have sent the game to overtime. Bryant finished with 34 points on 12-for-30 shooting. Pau Gasol had 20 points and 11 rebounds. Vince Carter had 25 for Orlando. Next; Toronto at Staples Center on Tuesday.