With only 0.1 seconds left on the clock, LeBron James scored a decisive putback, securing a 120-119 victory for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Indiana Pacers. This pivotal win halted the Lakers’ three-game losing run.
A tense matchup in Indianapolis saw the Pacers mount an impressive comeback from a 13-point deficit in the fourth quarter, leaving the Lakers on the brink of a four-game skid with just 42 seconds remaining.
However, Luka Doncic attempted a 13-foot floater that missed the mark, and James seized the opportunity, leaping to convert the game-winning score.
Despite not scoring in the first three quarters, the 40-year-old James ended the game with 13 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists, showcasing his resilience and contribution to the team’s success.
Lakers coach J J Redick praised James for his defensive prowess and ability to take control in the fourth quarter, despite a slow start on offense.
“He’s another great example of where he doesn’t necessarily have it going early, and got off to a slow start offensively. But he was so good defensively for us. And then he takes over in the fourth quarter and gets rewarded by the basketball gods because he didn’t let go of the rope and didn’t stop competing,” Redick noted.
James himself downplayed his lackluster scoring performance, emphasizing his multifaceted role in supporting his teammates and impacting the game in various ways.
“Whatever it takes to help your teammates win. For me, I can always do other things that still impact the game, even when I’m not scoring,” James said.
Doncic was the Lakers’ top scorer with 34 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, while Austin Reaves added 24 points and Rui Hachimura contributed 14 points. This win positions the Lakers in fourth place in the Western Conference with a 44-28 record, keeping them in contention for a playoff spot.