LeBron James helped the LA Lakers keep away from a fourth straight loss with a dramatic last-second putback in opposition to Indiana.
LeBron James tipped in a buzzer-beating rebound with 0.1 seconds remaining because the Los Angeles Lakers halted their three-game dropping streak with a pulsating 120-119 highway victory over the Indiana Pacers.
An exhilarating duel in Indianapolis noticed the Pacers climb out of a 13-point fourth-quarter gap to grab a 119-118 lead with 42 seconds remaining and depart the Lakers staring down the barrel of a fourth straight defeat on Wednesday.
However with the clock ticking, Luka Doncic made one final drive to the basket – solely to see his tried 13-foot floater bounce off the rim.
James reacted quickest, leaping to palm the ball into the bucket for the profitable rating and provides the Lakers a treasured victory within the race for Western Convention playoff berths.
The 40-year-old James – who had failed to attain from the sector within the opening three quarters – completed with 13 factors, 13 rebounds and 7 assists.
Lakers coach J J Redick saluted the veteran celebrity’s perseverance in dragging his crew over the road regardless of having an offensive off-night.
“It’s one other nice instance of the place he doesn’t essentially have it going early, and acquired off to a gradual begin offensively,” Redick mentioned.
“However he was so good defensively for us. After which he takes over within the fourth quarter and will get rewarded by the basketball gods as a result of he didn’t let go of the rope and didn’t cease competing.”
James mentioned he hadn’t been bothered by his low-key offensive efficiency.
“No matter it takes to assist your teammates win,” James mentioned. “For me, I can all the time do different issues that also influence the sport, even once I’m not scoring.
“That’s the fantastic thing about my sport, I’ve all the time constructed that all through my complete life – get my guys concerned, rebound, defend after which sprinkle in a couple of factors right here and there.”
Doncic led the Lakers scoring with 34 factors, seven rebounds and 7 assists whereas Austin Reaves offered offensive assist with 24 factors together with Rui Hachimura, who completed with 14 factors.
The win leaves the Lakers in fourth place within the Western Convention on 44-28. The highest six finishers within the standings qualify robotically for the playoffs.
