LeBron James’ spectacular last-second comeback against Indiana enabled the LA Lakers avoid their fourth consecutive defeat.
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Indiana Pacers 120-119 on the road to end their three-game losing run, as LeBron James tipped in a buzzer-beating rebound with 0.1 seconds left.
In an exciting matchup in Indianapolis, the Pacers overcame a 13-point deficit in the fourth quarter to take a 119-118 lead with 42 seconds left, leaving the Lakers facing the possibility of losing for the fourth time in a row on Wednesday.
Luka Doncic attempted a 13-foot jumper with the clock running out, but it bounced off the rim as he made one final push to the basket.
The Lakers gained a significant victory in the battle for Western Conference playoff slots when James responded the quickest, jumping to palm the ball into the hoop for the game-winning basket.
James, 40, finished with 13 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists after going without a field goal in the first three quarters.
Despite having an offensive off-night, Lakers coach J.J. Redick praised the veteran superstar’s tenacity in getting his club over the finish line.
Redick remarked, “It’s another excellent example of him not necessarily having it going early, and getting off to a slow start offensively.”
However, he played excellent defense for us. After that, he dominates the fourth quarter and is rewarded by the basketball gods for continuing to compete and hold onto the rope.
James claimed that his quiet offensive performance hadn’t disturbed him.
James remarked, “Do whatever it takes to help your teammates win.” Even if I’m not scoring, I can always do other things that have an effect on the game.
“I’ve always worked on that throughout my life; it’s the beauty of my game: get my guys involved, defend, rebound, and then add a few points here and there.”
Along with Rui Hachimura, who finished with 14 points, and Austin Reaves, who scored 24 points, Doncic lead the Lakers in scoring with 34 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists.
With the victory, the Lakers are now 44-28 and in fourth place in the Western Conference. The playoffs are automatically accessible to the top six finishers in the standings.
