Luka Doncic and LeBron James put on a dramatic finish in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 120-119 road victory over the Indiana Pacers, a game that saw James clean up Doncic’s missed shot at the buzzer.
Doncic, who finished with 34 points, seven rebounds and seven assists while hitting six 3-pointers, had the chance to seal the win but misfired on a floater in the closing moments.
Fortunately for him, James was there to tip it in as time expired.
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After the game, Doncic expressed his appreciation for the four-time MVP, saying he was grateful James had the confidence in him to take the shot — and even more thankful that he was there to clean up the miss.
“He was asking for the ball, but I wasn’t confident enough to make that pass,” Doncic told reporters postgame, according to Luka Updates. “Nine seconds to go, pass to AR, he passed to LeBron, I just saw how much confidence he has in me. I would appreciate that he gave me the final ball. I think I had a great look, didn’t make it, but LeBron was there luckily.”
The Lakers had led most of the way, controlling the second and third quarters before Indiana mounted a late charge.
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Up 118-112 with 1:44 left, Los Angeles saw its lead vanish as Tyrese Haliburton’s three-point play capped a 7-0 Pacers run. Both teams came up empty on their next possessions, setting the stage for Doncic’s potential game-winner, which rimmed out — only for James to swoop in and secure the victory with his buzzer-beating putback.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic shoots against Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
The 40-year-old Lakers star finished with 13 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists, capping off a 10-point fourth quarter.
For Los Angeles, the win was desperately needed after losing seven of its last 10 games. Even on an off night for James (4-for-12 shooting), the Lakers found a way to get it done — with a little bit of luck and a lot of LeBron.
Related: Luka Doncic’s Non-Committal Response to Playing in Lakers-Nuggets Game
