March 27, 2025
Indianapolis, IN – In a nail-biting finish, LeBron James delivered a dramatic game-winning tip-in at the buzzer to propel the Los Angeles Lakers to a 120-119 victory over the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 26. The clutch play snapped the Lakers’ three-game losing streak and added another historic moment to James’ illustrious career.
Game Recap: Lakers Rally After Slow Start
The Lakers struggled in the first half, trailing by as much as 13 points at halftime. However, a dominant third-quarter performance by Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves helped the team claw back into the contest. The final minutes saw multiple lead changes, with the Pacers briefly taking control before James’ last-second heroics sealed the win.
Key Performances
Los Angeles Lakers:
- LeBron James: 13 points, 13 rebounds, 7 assists, game-winning tip-in
- Luka Dončić: 34 points, leading scorer for the Lakers
- Austin Reaves: 24 points, key contributor in the comeback
- Rui Hachimura: 14 points, solid support off the bench
Indiana Pacers:
- Bennedict Mathurin: 23 points off the bench, strong offensive performance
- Tyrese Haliburton: 16 points, 18 assists, orchestrated the Pacers’ offense
- Myles Turner: 16 points, 12 rebounds, double-double effort
LeBron Adds Another Buzzer-Beater to His Legacy
James’ buzzer-beating tip-in marks the eighth game-winning shot at the buzzer in his career and his first with the Lakers. The 39-year-old veteran once again proved his ability to deliver in crunch time, further solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest clutch performers in NBA history.
Playoff Implications and Reactions
The victory was crucial for the Lakers, who are fighting for playoff positioning in a tightly contested Western Conference. The Pacers, meanwhile, remain in the hunt for a postseason spot in the East but will need to rebound quickly from the heartbreaking loss.
Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle expressed disappointment but praised his team’s effort. “We had the game in our hands, but LeBron does what LeBron does,” Carlisle said postgame. Lakers coach Darvin Ham lauded his squad’s resilience, emphasizing the importance of closing games strong.
