ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – The Orlando Magic have officially signed free agent center Robert Baker II, President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman announced today. As per team policy, the terms of the deal have not been disclosed. In a corresponding move, the Magic waived guard Javonte Smart, who appeared in one preseason game, contributing three points in just over six minutes of play.

Baker II, standing 6’11” and weighing 205 pounds, played in 29 games (18 starts) for College Park in the NBA G League last season, where he averaged 14.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 28.2 minutes per game, shooting an impressive 52.3% from the field. His versatile skill set and experience playing professionally in Slovakia, Puerto Rico, and Japan have helped prepare him for this opportunity in Orlando.

Though undrafted, Baker II has built a solid career in the NBA G League, amassing 87 career games (47 starts) with teams including Stockton, Lakeland (now Osceola), and College Park, where he has averaged 10.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.18 blocks per game. He will wear jersey #7 with the Orlando Magic.

Meanwhile, Javonte Smart, who was signed as a free agent by the Magic on September 19, has been waived following his brief preseason appearance.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Florida National News) – The Jacksonville Jaguars (1-4) won their first game of the season, beating the Indianapolis Colts (2-3) 37-34. Today’s victory put an end to QB Trevor Lawrence’s losing streak of nine straight starts, dating back to his last win at Houston on Nov. 26, 2023. The Jaguars wore throwback jerseys today to commemorate their inaugural 1994 expansion team, which is celebrating their 30th anniversary all season long.

The Colts scored on their first drive of the game as QB Joe Flacco, who was filling in for the injured Anthony Richardson, completed a 1 yard pass to WR Michael Pittman Jr. The extra point by K Matt Gay put Indianapolis up 7-0. Later in the quarter, RB Travis Etienne Jr. moved into fifth place on the Jaguars’ all time list of receiving yards for running backs, passing RB James Stewart’s 853 yards.

In the second quarter, the Jaguars put their first points on the board, a 23 yard K Cam Little field goal. But QB Trevor Lawrence later completed an 85 yard touchdown pass to WR Brian Thomas Jr., followed by the XP from Little, putting the Jags ahead 10-7. Matt Gay added a 30 yard field goal for the Colts to tie the score at 10-10. A fumble recovery by DE Josh Hines-Allen after DE Travon Walker got Flacco to drop the ball, marked the first forced turnover by the Jaguars defense this season. That set up Cam Little’s 30 yard field goal, putting the Jags back up 13-10 at halftime.

At the half, the Jaguars’ first and all-time winningest Coach, Tom Coughlin, was inducted onto the Pride of the Jaguars, joining Tony Boselli, Wayne and Delores Weaver, Fred Taylor, Mark Brunell, and Jimmy Smith. Coughlin received the Jaguars Pride teal jacket for his 72 victories, including two division titles and four trips to the playoffs, including a pair of AFC Championship game appearances in 1996 and 1999.

Tom Coughlin gets his Jaguars Pride teal jacket (photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)

In the third quarter, RB Tank Bigsby ran for a 19 yard touchdown and Little added the extra point, extending the Jaguars lead to 20-10, which remained the score at the end of the third quarter.

In the fourth, Flacco found TE Mo Alie-Cox in the end zone, completing an 18 yard touchdown pass, Matt Gay added the extra point to narrow the Colts’ deficit to 20-17. Trevor Lawrence added a 4 yard touchdown pass to TE Brenton Strange, and Little’s extra point extended the Jags’ lead to 27-17. The Colts’ Matt Gay scored a 37 yard field goal, to narrow their deficit to 27-20. But Tank Bigsby added another impressive touchdown run for 65 yards, and after Little’s XP, the Jaguars were ahead 34-20. Flacco later completed a 45 yard pass to WR Alec Pierce, and RB Trey Sermon ran the ball in for a 1 yard touchdown, followed by Matt Gay’s XP, to make the score 34-27. Flacco added a 65 yard touchdown pass to Alec Pierce, and Gay’s extra point tied the game up at 34-34. Cam Little scored a 49 yard field goal late in the 4th to put the Jags ahead again 37-34, securing the victory.

Trevor Lawrence finished with 371 yards and 2 touchdowns. Tank Bigsby led the Jaguars’ rushing with 101 yards and 2 touchdowns. Brian Thomas, Jr. was the leading receiver with 122 yards and 1 touchdown.

The Jaguars head to London to face the Chicago Bears on Sunday, 10/13 and the New England Patriots on Sunday, 10/20. Kickoff for both games will be 9:30 a.m. The Jaguars’ next home game will be against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, 10/27 at 1:00 p.m. Be sure to follow www.FloridaSportsChannel.com and www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN Sports) – Latino social media star LeJuan James, one of the top influencers with 17.9 million likes on TikTok, 3 million Instagram followers, and 3.3 million Facebook followers, made a splash at the Orlando Magic’s Media Day for the 2024-2025 season. Known for his relatable comedic skits that highlight Hispanic culture, James engaged with NBA players and the team’s beloved mascot, Stuff, adding his unique flair to the event.

LeJuan James arrived at Orlando Magic Media Day wearing a shirt featuring Puerto Rican Carlos Arroyo, a former Orlando Magic player. His outfit paid homage to Arroyo’s legacy, showcasing pride in his Puerto Rican roots while also celebrating Hispanic representation in the NBA.

LeJuan James at Orlando Magic Media Day 2024: Credit: LeJuan James, Facebook Page

During an exclusive interview with FNN, James shared his thoughts on the Magic’s potential to bring home a championship, while also reflecting on the significance of his Hispanic roots.

James’ impact on social media continues to inspire millions, particularly within the Latino community, where his content bridges cultural gaps, fostering connection and representation on a global scale.

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J Willie David, III and Mike Brodsky contributed to this report.
sports@FloridaNationalNews.com