The Los Angeles Lakers escaped Orlando on Saturday with a 114-113 victory after Luke Kennard knocked down an uncontested three-pointer as time expired, pushing the club’s winning streak to nine games.
Los Angeles opened the night with a 14-point cushion, but the Orlando Magic battled back and controlled much of the second half. Questionable calls repeatedly went against the visitors, yet the Lakers stayed close and forced a turnover in the final seconds to set up the decisive possession.
Head coach Darvin Ham’s drawn-up play freed Kennard on the left wing, and the league’s most accurate three-point shooter drilled the game-winner. The guard finished with 13 points.
Luka Doncic paced all scorers with 33 points despite a quiet second half, adding five rebounds, eight assists, four steals and a block. The All-NBA guard scored a key basket late in the fourth quarter before Kennard’s heroics.
The defeat ended Orlando’s four-game run over Los Angeles. The Magic’s physical lineup again troubled the Lakers, but the hosts fell after holding a slim advantage in the closing moments.
Los Angeles (record not specified) continues its road trip Monday against the Detroit Pistons and wraps up the swing Wednesday versus the Indiana Pacers.
Source: Lakers Nation
