LeBron James proved why he remains one of the NBA’s most clutch performers, saving the day for the Lakers in a 120-119 road win over the Pacers Wednesday night with a last-second tip-in.
Although James struggled with his shooting, making only 4 of 12 attempts from the field, he still posted a double-double with 13 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists. Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 34 points, but it was James who made the decisive play when it mattered most.
“I can always do other things on the floor to help our team win,” James said following the game, a statement that highlighted his continued impact beyond scoring.
Los Angeles, looking to rebound from a rough stretch in which it had lost seven of its previous 10 games, controlled the second and third quarters. With 1:44 left in the game, the Lakers held a 118-112 lead. However, the Pacers mounted a late rally, and a three-point play by Tyrese Haliburton put Indiana up by one.
After both teams failed to capitalize on their next possessions, Doncic missed a mid-range floater in the final seconds. But James, ever alert, snatched the rebound and tipped in the game-winner at the buzzer, stunning the crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
For the Lakers (44-28), the win was a vital one, underscoring James’ ability to make a difference even when he’s not at his offensive best. Now in his 21st season, the four-time NBA champion continues to prove his value as a game-changer, once again delivering when Los Angeles needed him most.
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