LeBron’s Last-Second Assist to Hachimura Earns Praise from Redick
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Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick credited “the basketball gods” for rewarding LeBron James after the veteran forward set up Rui Hachimura’s buzzer-beating three-pointer in a 109-106 victory over the Toronto Raptors on December 4, 2025, at Scotiabank Arena.
With the score tied and the clock winding down, James drew multiple defenders near the foul line before firing a pass to an uncovered Hachimura in the left corner. The forward’s shot dropped as time expired, sealing the win and prompting an animated celebration from James and the rest of the roster.
“If you do it the right way, the basketball gods tend to reward you,” Redick told Spectrum SportsNet in the locker room. He added that James’s willingness to trust teammates in decisive moments remains a hallmark of his game.
Reaves’ Role in the Final Sequence
Redick highlighted guard Austin Reaves for his quick decision when the Raptors trapped him earlier in the possession. Reaves “stampeded” a pass to James, a move the coach said further scrambled Toronto’s defense and gave Hachimura “all the time in the world” to shoot.
Streak Ends, Teamwork Endures
The clutch assist also coincided with the end of James’s record run of 1,297 consecutive games with at least 10 points. Redick downplayed the statistical milestone, focusing instead on the group’s connectivity. “The whole team was just connected tonight. It was a fun night to compete together,” he said.
James, 41, later called the play a “perfect” way for the scoring streak to conclude, emphasizing that the victory mattered more than personal numbers.
Source: Lakers Nation
