TITLE: Kennard’s Last-Second Three Lifts Lakers Over Magic for Ninth Consecutive Victory
SLUG: lakers-kennard-game-winner-magic-ninth-straight-win
CONTENT:
The Los Angeles Lakers stretched their league-best winning streak to nine games on Saturday night, edging the Orlando Magic 105-104 at Kia Center thanks to a buzzer-beating three-pointer by guard Luke Kennard.
With Los Angeles trailing 104-102 and 4.0 seconds remaining, head coach JJ Redick designed an in-bounds play that freed Kennard on the left wing. The veteran caught the pass, squared up and buried the decisive shot, capping a frantic final sequence in which Orlando had turned the ball over moments earlier.
James Sets Games-Played Record
LeBron James logged his 1,612th regular-season appearance, breaking Robert Parish’s NBA record. The milestone was marked early when James hammered home a breakaway dunk to spark a 6-0 start for the Lakers.
Doncic Starts Hot, Faces Suspension
Luka Doncic carried the offense early, scoring 16 of his 24 points in the opening quarter as Los Angeles built a 37-30 lead. Orlando responded with a 22-2 run, led by strong bench production, and held a 65-62 halftime advantage.
Late in the third quarter, Doncic and Magic center Goga Bitadze exchanged words and were assessed double technical fouls. The call gave Doncic his 16th technical of the season, triggering an automatic one-game suspension. Orlando closed the period ahead 87-82.
Fourth-Quarter Rally
Center Jaxson Hayes provided energy at both ends, and guard Austin Reaves pushed the Lakers back on top midway through the fourth. Down three in the final minute, Doncic missed a step-back three, but Deandre Ayton grabbed the rebound, was fouled and hit the first of two free throws. After intentionally missing the second, Orlando secured the board yet immediately committed a turnover, setting up Kennard’s heroics.
Road Trip Wraps Up
Los Angeles (record not provided) concludes its four-game trip Monday against the Detroit Pistons and Wednesday versus the Indiana Pacers. Both contests are scheduled for 4:00 p.m. PT.
Source: LakersNation.com
