LeBron James’ long double-digit scoring streak came to an end on Thursday, but only as the King found Rui Hachimura for a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to win the game as the Lakers downed the Raptors, 123-120.
In a tie game in the final seconds, LeBron turned down a contested shot that could have won the game and gotten him 10 points to instead find Hachimura open in the corner for a three that he drilled as time expired.
The win snaps the brief two-game losing streak for LA, who did so with Luka Dončić out due to personal reasons.
The Lakers were off to a nice start with Reaves and Ayton combining for 10 early points. Former Baby Laker Brandon Ingram was cooking for the Raptors with six points. Toronto called a timeout as LA was up by seven midway through the quarter. Out of the break, Ja’Kobe Walter scored on an emphatic dunk.
LaRavia scored five points off the bench in the opening period. Los Angeles had done well defensively, holding the Raptors to 28% shooting until Toronto went on a 10-2 run to make it a closer affair.
All starters except for LeBron, who missed all five of his shot attempts, scored some buckets. At the end of the first, the purple and gold were up by five.
Gradey Dick began the second quarter with a 3-pointer for the Raptors. The Lakers then scored five straight points. Rookie Adou Thiero saw some playing time and converted on a three-point play. LeBron also finally saw the ball go through the hoop on a layup.
Toronto scored six straight points as part of a mini run. Dalton Knecht stopped that momentum with a 3-pointer. Reaves and Ayton were in double figures with 14 and 10. A 10-0 scoring run put LA up by double digits with 2:05 left until halftime.
Los Angeles’ bench was having a strong first half, scoring 27 points. The Lakers also had a clean half with just five turnovers. Sandro Mamukelashvili scored six points for the Raptors. At halftime, LA was up by nine.
Immanuel Quickley opened the third period by converting on a runner in the paint. Reaves continued his strong play with a shot off the glass for two. It became a three-point game after six straight points from Toronto.
LA managed to fight off the surge from Toronto until Scottie Barnes started scoring more. It was a tie game after a 3-pointer from Walter. The Raptors took their first lead of the night at the 6:10 mark.
LA retook the lead on the shoulders of a scoring surge from Reaves. He was up to 18 points in the quarter, 32 in total.
A steal from Smith Jr., led to him scoring on the other end to put Los Angeles up by five. The Raptors responded well, making it a two-point deficit going into the fourth quarter.
Smith Jr. opened the final frame with a 3-pointer for LA. Los Angeles jumped ahead by five and Toronto responded to make it a tie game. Reaves was subbed back in a scored to put the Lakers back up.
Both teams were battling back and forth, not allowing each other to take a big lead.
At the 3:57 mark, the Raptors were up by one. The last minute was full of drama with the lead going back and forth between the teams. Ingram put Toronto up by two and then on the other end, Reaves scored to make tie it again.
The Lakers had the ball with the shot clock off after getting a stop. Austin was doubled by the Raptors, leading to a pass to LeBron, who found Hachimura for the buzzer-beating 3-pointer to win the game.
Key Player Stats
Austin Reaves ended with 44 points, 11 assists and five rebounds. LeBron James had a rough night, scoring eight points to go with his 11 assists and six assists. Deandre Ayton pitched in with 17 points, eight rebounds and two blocks.
Rui Hachimura scored 12 points. Jake LaRavia had a nice showing off the bench with 14 points. Nick Smith Jr. notched 12 points.
Gabe Vincent ended with five points and four assists but fouled out in 24 minutes. Adou Thiero had a strong showing in 10 minutes, scoring four points with a rebound, an assist and a steal.
The Lakers’ next matchup is Friday against the Boston Celtics at 4:00 PM PT.
You can follow Karin on Twitter at @KarinAbcarians.
