Rui Hachimura drilled a corner three at the buzzer off a pass from LeBron James, giving the Los Angeles Lakers a dramatic 123–120 win over the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night.
The game-winner also meant James’ historic streak of 1,297 straight regular-season games scoring in double figures came to an end. The 20-time All-Star finished with just eight points on 4-for-17 shooting, missing all five 3-point attempts and never reaching the free-throw line. He did, however, record 11 assists, including the decisive pass to Hachimura.
Reaves Erupts for 44 to Carry Short-Handed Lakers
With Luka Dončić unavailable due to personal reasons, Austin Reaves took over, erupting for 44 points, including 22 in the third quarter alone. He added 10 assists, hit five 3-pointers and made 13 of 15 free throws, spearheading a Lakers offense that has now won eight of its last nine games.
Los Angeles also got 17 points from Deandre Ayton, 14 from Jake LaRavia, and 12 each from Hachimura and Nate Smith Jr. The Lakers improved to 9–2 on the road.
Raptors Come Up Just Short
Scottie Barnes led Toronto with 23 points, while Brandon Ingram added 20. Ja’Kobe Walter scored 17, and Sandro Mamukelashvili and Immanuel Quickley each finished with 13. Rookie Collin Murray-Boyles chipped in 12, and Jamison Battle added 10 off the bench.
Toronto played without several key contributors:
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Jakob Poeltl (sore lower back),
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Ochai Agbaji (personal reasons), and
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RJ Barrett (right knee sprain), missing his sixth straight game.
Final Sequence
After Ingram missed a driving layup with 23 seconds left, the Lakers secured the rebound and James patiently drew the defense before kicking the ball to Hachimura in the right corner. The forward calmly knocked down his only fourth-quarter basket as time expired, silencing the Scotiabank Arena crowd.
Up Next
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Lakers: Visit the Boston Celtics on Friday.
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Raptors: Host the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night.
