Luke Kennard's last second shot gives Lakers 105-104 win over Magic on March 10

The Lakers won their 9th game in a row by beating the Magic 105-104. Luke Kennard hit the winning shot with only 0.6 seconds left.
By Newsroom | Sports, Basketball |

The Los Angeles Lakers secured a narrow 105-104 victory over the Orlando Magic, propelled by a last-second three-point shot from Luke Kennard. The decisive play occurred with just 0.6 seconds remaining on the clock. This crucial shot marked the Lakers' ninth consecutive win.

Kennard drains clutch three in dying seconds to steal Lakers win - 1

The game-winning sequence involved an inbound pass from Marcus Smart to Kennard, positioned on the left wing. Kennard, who had reportedly been in a shooting slump, adjusting his shooting sleeve before catching the pass, drained the go-ahead shot. This late surge helped the Lakers overcome a two-point deficit in the dying moments.

Kennard drains clutch three in dying seconds to steal Lakers win - 2

The same game also marked a significant career milestone for LeBron James, who played in his record-breaking 1,612th regular-season game, surpassing Robert Parish's all-time mark. While James's historic achievement was a focal point, the final possession was executed with precision, involving a play call from Lakers assistant coach Greg St. Jean.

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Kennard drains clutch three in dying seconds to steal Lakers win - 3

The Magic's defensive strategy, which involved collapsing on LeBron James, is cited as a key factor that created the opening for Kennard. Orlando's final attempt to win, a 77-foot heave by Jalen Suggs, fell short at the buzzer. The loss has drawn criticism regarding Orlando's late-game execution.

Kennard drains clutch three in dying seconds to steal Lakers win - 4

Kennard, despite being a recent addition to the Lakers, contributed 13 points off the bench in this particular game, with a shooting performance of 5-of-7 from the field and 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. This performance was seen as a breakout moment, particularly given his previous struggles, having gone 3-of-14 from three-point range in the six games prior. The shot itself has been described as his first career buzzer-beater, though he has a history of making clutch shots.

Background

The Lakers' nine-game winning streak is a notable achievement, and this victory against the Magic was a testament to the team's ability to execute under pressure, even on a night dominated by an individual milestone for LeBron James. The game highlighted the Lakers' strategic play, particularly in the closing seconds, and the effectiveness of their role players.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How did the Lakers beat the Orlando Magic on March 10?
The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Orlando Magic 105-104. Luke Kennard made a three-point shot with only 0.6 seconds left to win the game. This was the Lakers' ninth win in a row.
Q: Who made the winning shot for the Lakers against the Magic?
Luke Kennard made the winning shot for the Lakers. He made a three-point shot with less than one second left in the game. This gave the Lakers a 105-104 win.
Q: What was LeBron James's record on March 10?
LeBron James played in his 1,612th regular-season game on March 10. This is a new record, passing Robert Parish. He played in the Lakers' game against the Magic.
Q: How many points did Luke Kennard score against the Magic?
Luke Kennard scored 13 points for the Lakers against the Magic. He made 5 of his 7 shots, including 3 of his 4 three-point shots. He came off the bench to play.
Q: Why did the Magic lose to the Lakers on March 10?
The Magic lost to the Lakers 105-104 because Luke Kennard made a last-second shot. The Magic's defense focused on LeBron James, which left Kennard open for the winning shot.