LeBron James Delivers Buzzer-Beater as Lakers Edge Pacers

INDIANAPOLIS — LeBron James tipped in the game-winner at the buzzer, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 120-119 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday. Amid the jubilation from his teammates, James expressed uncertainty about how to celebrate the moment.

“I really couldn’t have too much emotion because I was trying to see if I got the ball off in time, to be honest,” James said after the game. An official review confirmed that he touched the ball with just 0.2 seconds left, redirecting a missed floater by Lakers teammate Austin Reaves through the hoop as time expired.

This thrilling win snapped a three-game losing streak for the Lakers and ended a five-game winning streak for the Pacers. James’ buzzer-beater marked the eighth of his career, tying him with Kobe Bryant and Joe Johnson for the second-most buzzer-beaters in NBA history, trailing only Michael Jordan.

“Just shows you what he’s about,” Lakers guard Austin Reaves said. “He’s a winner at heart. That’s really it.” The game featured a dramatic fourth quarter where the Pacers battled back from a 13-point deficit to tie the game before briefly taking the lead.

With just 1:51 remaining, the Pacers led by two points after a three-point play by Tyrese Haliburton, who finished the night with 16 points and 18 assists. Lakers coach JJ Redick praised the Pacers, saying, “It’s hard to win against a great team like Indiana. They don’t get talked about enough nationally. They’re a phenomenal basketball team.”

The Lakers scored 34 points in the final quarter to seal the game. James, who had a quiet first three quarters with only three points on a 0-for-6 shooting performance, quickly scored eight of the Lakers’ first ten points in the fourth. He finished with 13 points, a team-high 13 rebounds, and 7 assists in his third game back from a two-week absence due to a left groin strain.

Rui Hachimura, back from a knee injury, also contributed significantly with 14 points and four rebounds. He made crucial back-to-back three-pointers late in the fourth quarter, helping to secure the Lakers’ lead.

“As a team, getting back to our rhythm is kind of hard,” Hachimura said. “But we have like ten more games left, so we got to get back to our rhythm before the playoffs.” The Lakers currently hold the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference with a record of 44-28, trailing the No. 3 and virtually tied with the No. 5. Their four-game trip continues Thursday in Chicago as they face the Bulls.

“The game is never over until it says zeroes on the clock, literally, tonight,” James said. “And just keeping our composure throughout it all.”