As the buzzer sounded in Orlando on Saturday night, the Los Angeles Lakers found themselves at the heart of another unforgettable NBA moment. With the game hanging in the balance and the Orlando Magic leading 104-102, it was Luke Kennard—recently acquired and previously mired in a shooting slump—who stepped into the limelight. His clutch three-pointer with just 0.6 seconds remaining not only delivered a dramatic 105-104 victory but also extended the Lakers’ winning streak to nine, their longest since the championship run of 2019-2020.
The story of the night, however, stretched well beyond a single shot. This game was laced with history, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose for a Lakers squad that has transformed itself into a genuine title contender over the last month. The victory also marked a significant milestone for LeBron James, who, by taking the court for his 1,612th regular season game, surpassed Robert Parish to become the NBA’s all-time leader in games played. James celebrated the occasion not just with statistics, but with crucial plays and leadership on both ends of the floor.
"When I turned and saw the ball was in his hands on a wide-open three, I pretty much knew it was cash," James said after the game, reflecting on Kennard’s heroics. The confidence was well placed. Kennard, the NBA’s leading three-point shooter at 48.6%, had struggled recently, connecting on just three of his last fourteen attempts from deep over the previous six games. Yet, with the Lakers’ hopes on the line, he didn’t hesitate. "I didn’t really know what was going on, I was just screaming," Kennard admitted. "I remember somebody, I don’t know who it was, somebody picked me up. But it was really cool. It’s a cool moment. Haven’t had many like that in the NBA, I don’t think."
The game itself was a rollercoaster. The Lakers jumped out to a 6-0 lead, fueled by a LeBron James dunk that set the tone for the night. Luka Doncic picked up where he left off in recent games, pouring in 16 points in the opening quarter to give L.A. a 37-30 advantage. But the Magic, refusing to wilt on their home floor, responded with a 22-2 run that not only erased the deficit but put them ahead. The Lakers’ offense sputtered, and despite Doncic’s 24 first-half points, Orlando’s bench provided the spark to take a 65-62 lead into halftime.
The third quarter saw the Lakers regain their footing, opening with five straight points. Defense turned into offense, with James feasting in transition. But the game’s intensity boiled over when Doncic and Goga Bitadze exchanged words, resulting in double technicals. The moment was more than just a flashpoint; it was Doncic’s 16th technical foul of the season, triggering an automatic one-game suspension unless rescinded. Despite his game-high 33 points, Doncic’s night was marred by this looming absence and a cold spell in the second half, where he shot just 2-for-13 after an electric start.
Orlando controlled the glass and entered the final quarter up 87-82. The Lakers, though, have made a habit of thriving in clutch situations. Jaxson Hayes contributed on both ends, and Austin Reaves, who finished with 26 points (including 11 in the fourth quarter), helped L.A. claw back from a seven-point deficit. But with time winding down, the Lakers were ice-cold from beyond the arc, having connected on just one of ten three-point attempts in the fourth quarter before Kennard’s fateful shot.
The closing seconds were a flurry of missed opportunities and high drama. With the Lakers trailing by three, Doncic missed a step-back triple. Reaves then missed an open three that could have tied the game. Deandre Ayton, relentless on the boards, grabbed an offensive rebound and was fouled, making the first free throw and intentionally missing the second. Orlando secured the rebound but turned the ball over, giving the Lakers one last chance with four seconds to play.
Assistant coach Greg St. Jean drew up the final play. The design was simple but effective: James would cut hard to the basket, drawing defenders, while Doncic flashed away from a double team. Marcus Smart, inbounding, found Kennard wide open on the wing. Kennard, with the calm of a seasoned veteran, adjusted his shooting sleeve before catching the pass. As JJ Redick, the Lakers’ head coach and a former sharpshooter himself, later grinned, "As soon as he caught it and then released it, yeah, everybody knew it was in." The ball splashed through, and the Lakers mobbed Kennard in celebration, with James literally sweeping him off his feet.
For Kennard, this was more than just a shot. It was validation. After being acquired before the February 5 trade deadline to address the Lakers’ three-point shooting woes, he had struggled to find his rhythm. Redick, who spoke with Kennard earlier that day, encouraged him to trust his shot and stay confident. "He just told me to be yourself and move on from all that," Kennard said of his coach’s advice. The message clearly resonated.
The win pushed the Lakers to a 46-25 record and solidified their status as the NBA’s best team in clutch games, now 22-6 in contests decided by five points or fewer in the final five minutes. The transformation from the team that lost to Orlando in late February—capping an uninspired 4-4 homestand and a three-game losing streak—to one riding a wave of momentum is nothing short of remarkable. Doncic has been playing at an MVP level, averaging 40.9 points and 7.4 assists in the eight games leading up to Saturday. James, ever the team player, has embraced his role as the third option, allowing the offense to flow. Reaves and Ayton have stepped up, and Smart’s defensive tenacity has been invaluable.
With twelve wins in their last thirteen games, the Lakers are suddenly being discussed as legitimate championship contenders. The chemistry is palpable, and every player seems to understand and embrace their role. As Kennard’s shot fell and the crowd erupted in “LUUUKE” chants, it was clear that this Lakers team is not just hot—they’re dangerous.
Looking ahead, the Lakers will attempt to extend their streak on the road against the Detroit Pistons on March 23 and the Indiana Pacers on March 25. Whether Doncic will be available for those games remains to be seen, pending review of his technical foul. But if Saturday night was any indication, this Lakers team has plenty of heroes waiting in the wings—and the belief that, no matter the odds, they can pull off something special.