The Los Angeles Lakers claimed a dramatic 123–120 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night, courtesy of a stunning buzzer-beating three-pointer from Rui Hachimura. Yet, the unforgettable finish was accompanied by a moment of history: LeBron James’ legendary run of double-digit scoring games officially came to an end.
Hachimura’s game-winning shot electrified Crypto.com Arena, capping off one of the most dramatic finishes of the Lakers’ season. With the clock expiring and the game tied, James attracted defensive pressure at the top of the key before firing a pass to Hachimura in the corner. The Japanese forward calmly rose and drained the decisive three as time expired — securing a win and etching his name into Lakers lore.
“That was crazy,” an ecstatic Hachimura said afterward. “I’ve never had a game-winner before, so this one is special.”
A Night of Milestones and Firsts — and One Streak Broken
While Hachimura enjoyed a career moment, LeBron James experienced something he had not felt in 17 years: a single-digit scoring night. James finished with eight points and 11 assists, ending his iconic streak of 1,297 consecutive games scoring at least 10 points, a run that began in January 2007.
Though James’ shooting struggled — just 4-of-17 from the field and 0-of-5 from deep — he never hesitated on the final possession.
“Just playing the game the right way,” James said. “Always make the right play. That’s how I was taught the game.”
Even with the chance to preserve his long-standing scoring record, James chose to pass once he recognized Toronto’s defensive trap closing. Lakers head coach JJ Redick defended the decision passionately.
“LeBron is always aware of the game, but he still made the right basketball choice,” Redick said. “He’s done it his entire career. And when you play the right way, the basketball gods tend to reward you.”
Austin Reaves Shines in Doncic’s Absence
With Luka Doncic sidelined for personal reasons, the spotlight shifted to Austin Reaves — and he delivered a career-best performance.
Reaves erupted for 44 points and 10 assists, orchestrating the Lakers’ offense with poise and aggression. His relentless scoring allowed Los Angeles to keep pace with a Raptors team that had seven players finishing in double figures.
“He was incredible,” Redick praised. “He kept us alive all game.”
Toronto’s offense was anchored by Scottie Barnes with 23 points and Brandon Ingram with 20, but their balanced scoring ultimately couldn’t match the Lakers’ late-game execution.
Raptors Slide in Eastern Conference Race
The loss pushed Toronto down to third in the East, trailing the surging Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks. Despite distributing the scoring load well, the Raptors struggled to contain the Lakers in clutch moments — especially the decisive final possession.
The Raptors looked poised to steal the road victory after holding James in check offensively, but Reaves’ brilliance and Hachimura’s heroics proved too much to overcome.
Lakers Continue Challenging Road Trip
Following the emotional win, the Lakers immediately turn their attention to a high-stakes battle with the Boston Celtics on Friday. The Celtics, meanwhile, enter the matchup in dominant form after dismantling the Washington Wizards 146–101 earlier that same evening.
Boston was without star swingman Jaylen Brown, but Derrick White took command with a standout performance: 30 points, seven rebounds, nine assists, and a steal. The Celtics have now won eight of their last 10 games, reasserting themselves as one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference.
Sixers Survive Warriors Comeback in Philadelphia
Around the league, another thriller unfolded in Philadelphia, where the 76ers narrowly edged the Golden State Warriors 99–98. Rookie VJ Edgecombe delivered the decisive play — a timely put-back with 0.9 seconds remaining.
Tyrese Maxey sealed the win with a clutch block on De’Anthony Melton at the buzzer. Despite leading by as many as 24 points, the Sixers needed every ounce of effort to survive Golden State’s late resurgence.
The Warriors entered the game without injured stars Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler. Their night worsened when Draymond Green exited in the second quarter after teammate Dominick Barlow accidentally rolled onto his foot. Even so, Golden State’s bench stepped up, led by Pat Spencer’s team-high 16 points, and nearly completed an improbable comeback.
Edgecombe’s late-game heroics — including a steal with 8.2 seconds left — gave Philadelphia the final push it needed. Maxey dominated with 35 points, continuing his All-Star caliber season.
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