LeBron James delivered a game-winning buzzer-beater with just 0.1 seconds left on the clock, securing a thrilling 120-119 road victory for the Los Angeles Lakers over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night and snapping a three-game losing streak, as per Al Jazeera.
In a back-and-forth contest in Indianapolis, the Pacers battled back from a 13-point fourth-quarter deficit to seize a 119-118 lead with 42 seconds remaining, leaving the Lakers on the brink of another defeat.
With time running out, Luka Doncic drove to the basket, but his 13-foot floater bounced off the rim. James, displaying his veteran instincts, leaped and tipped the rebound into the basket, securing the dramatic win for the Lakers and a crucial victory in the competitive Western Conference playoff race.
Despite a slow offensive start, with no field goals in the first three quarters, the 40-year-old James finished the game with 13 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists, demonstrating his all-around impact.
Lakers coach J J Redick praised James’s perseverance in helping the team pull out the victory despite an uncharacteristically quiet night on offense. James himself stated he wasn’t concerned about his low-scoring performance, emphasizing the importance of the win.
Doncic led the Lakers in scoring with 34 points, along with seven rebounds and seven assists. Austin Reaves contributed 24 points, while Rui Hachimura added 14 to the Lakers’ offensive effort.
The victory moves the Lakers to fourth place in the Western Conference with a 44-28 record. The top six teams in the conference standings automatically qualify for the playoffs.
