The Los Angeles Lakers extended their winning streak to nine games after a thrilling 105-104 victory over the Orlando Magic. The match was decided in the final seconds when Luke Kennard hit a three-pointer with only 0.6 seconds left on the clock.
With the Lakers trailing by two points and just a few seconds remaining, Marcus Smart delivered a precise inbound pass to a wide-open Kennard. The sharpshooter calmly knocked down the shot, giving Los Angeles a dramatic win and completing an impressive comeback.
The victory pushed the Lakers to a 46-25 record and kept them among the top teams in the Western Conference.
LeBron James creates NBA history
The night was also historic for LeBron James. The veteran forward played his 1,612th regular-season NBA game, breaking the long-standing record previously held by Robert Parish.
Although the record was the main highlight of the evening, James also contributed to the win with solid all-around numbers.
FULL MOMENT: Luke Kennard GAME WINNER vs Magic.
— NBAbzy (@nbabzyy) March 22, 2026
Yes the Magic left the league leader in 3P% wide open for the game winner. pic.twitter.com/rzbhW9jtCe
LeBron James performance
| Stat | Number |
|---|---|
| Points | 12 |
| Rebounds | 6 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Steals | 3 |
| Minutes | 34 |
James also produced key moments during the game, including a fast-break dunk early in the contest that helped the Lakers take the first lead.
Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves lead Lakers offense
While Kennard delivered the final shot, the Lakers’ offense was driven by Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves throughout the game.
Doncic dominated the first half and finished as the team’s leading scorer. Reaves also played a major role, especially during the fourth quarter when the Lakers needed points to stay in the game.
Key Lakers performers
| Player | Points | Assists | Rebounds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luka Doncic | 33 | 8 | 5 |
| Austin Reaves | 26 | 5 | 7 |
| Luke Kennard | 13 | — | 3 |
| LeBron James | 12 | 4 | 6 |
| Deandre Ayton | 9 | — | 12 |
Kennard scored 13 points in just 20 minutes and hit three three-pointers. His efficiency and final shot proved crucial.
Orlando Magic fought hard but fell short
Orlando delivered a strong performance despite the loss. Seven Magic players reached double figures, showing balanced scoring across the roster.
Paolo Banchero led the team with 16 points, while Jalen Suggs added 14. Wendell Carter Jr. and Jevon Carter each scored 13 points.
Magic top scorers
| Player | Points |
|---|---|
| Paolo Banchero | 16 |
| Jalen Suggs | 14 |
| Wendell Carter Jr. | 13 |
| Jevon Carter | 13 |
Despite leading late in the game, Orlando suffered its fourth straight defeat after the Lakers’ late comeback.
Game timeline and turning points
The game featured multiple lead changes and momentum swings.
First half
Los Angeles started strong and built a 14-point lead in the first quarter. Orlando responded with strong rebounding and physical play, eventually taking the lead in the second quarter. The Magic went into halftime ahead 65-62.
Third quarter
The Lakers briefly regained control after a 12-0 run capped by a LeBron James layup. Orlando answered with a powerful 17-4 run to close the quarter and regain momentum.
Final quarter drama
Orlando held a small lead for most of the fourth quarter. With less than a minute remaining, the Magic were ahead by five points.
Key moments late in the game included:
- Austin Reaves scoring a crucial layup to cut the deficit
- Deandre Ayton grabbing an important offensive rebound
- Jalen Suggs committing a turnover on the inbound pass
- Marcus Smart delivering the final inbound to Kennard
Kennard’s three-pointer ultimately decided the game.
Lakers player performances
Luke Kennard – Game hero
Kennard reminded fans why he is considered one of the best shooters in the NBA. He finished with:
- 13 points
- 3 three-pointers
- 5-of-7 shooting
His final shot secured the victory and extended the Lakers’ winning streak.
Austin Reaves – strong all-around game
Reaves delivered one of his most complete performances of the season.
| Stat | Number |
|---|---|
| Points | 26 |
| Rebounds | 7 |
| Assists | 5 |
| Steals | 2 |
| Blocks | 1 |
He also scored 11 points in the fourth quarter when the Lakers needed momentum.
Luka Doncic – dominant start
Doncic had an explosive start with 16 points in the first quarter. He finished with 33 points despite cooling off in the second half.
However, he received his 16th technical foul of the season during the game, which could lead to an automatic one-game suspension unless it is overturned.
Lakers supporting cast contributions
Several other players helped the Lakers secure the win.
Deandre Ayton
| Stat | Number |
|---|---|
| Points | 9 |
| Rebounds | 12 |
Ayton played a key role on the boards and created extra possessions late in the game.
Jaxson Hayes
Hayes brought energy off the bench with:
- 8 points
- 7 rebounds
- 3 blocks
His defensive presence helped slow Orlando during important stretches.
The victory continues the Lakers’ impressive run of form. After a rough stretch earlier in the season, the team has now won 11 of its last 12 games.
The team’s balanced scoring, strong defense, and clutch shooting have helped them climb near the top of the Western Conference standings.
With players like Doncic, Reaves, and Kennard delivering big performances and LeBron James continuing to make history, the Lakers are building strong momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.
What’s next for both teams
| Team | Next Game |
|---|---|
| Lakers | at Detroit |
| Magic | vs Indiana |
Los Angeles will try to extend its winning streak further, while Orlando hopes to end its losing run in the next matchup.
FAQs
Who hit the game-winning shot for the Lakers?
Luke Kennard hit a three-pointer with 0.6 seconds left to give the Lakers a 105-104 victory.
How many points did Luka Doncic score?
Doncic scored 33 points and also recorded eight assists.
What NBA record did LeBron James break?
LeBron James set the NBA record for most regular-season games played with 1,612.
How many games have the Lakers won in a row?
The Lakers have won nine consecutive games.
Who led the Orlando Magic in scoring?
Paolo Banchero was the leading scorer for Orlando with 16 points.
