One of the most memorable moments of the week came on Wednesday night when the Los Angeles Lakers narrowly defeated the Indiana Pacers by a single point. The hero of the game? None other than LeBron James. In what was one of his quieter performances of the regular season, James scored the decisive point to secure the victory. NBA legend Magic Johnson shared his thoughts on the thrilling win.
As the Lakers near the end of an impressive regular season, with Luka Doncic leading the charge after early struggles, the playoffs are almost within reach. With LeBron returning from injury and experimenting with new plays to help his team, this could be the season the Lakers make a serious push for glory.
The Lakers’ hard-fought win over the Pacers, who are themselves vying for a playoff spot, proved that L.A. is not content with merely making the postseason. They’re aiming for the Finals. Following LeBron’s clutch performance, Magic Johnson took to X to share his reaction.
“What a thrilling finish with LeBron James’ putback! It sealed a much-needed victory for the Lakers against the Pacers,” Johnson tweeted after the game, emphasizing how crucial the win was for the Lakers’ playoff hopes.
LeBron’s performance against the Pacers
While LeBron James wasn’t the standout scorer in the Lakers’ victory over the Pacers, he played a crucial role in the team’s success, scoring the game-winning bucket. His contributions in other areas, such as rebounding and playmaking, were pivotal in the win.
James grabbed 13 rebounds (10 defensive, 3 offensive) and recorded 7 assists. He scored 13 points, with none coming from beyond the arc, and played 38 minutes on the floor. Despite his relatively modest scoring, LeBron’s clutch game-winner solidified his place in Lakers lore, further cementing his legacy in Los Angeles.
On the other hand, Doncic continued to shine offensively, delivering another 30-point performance. He shot 60% from three-point range and 52% from the field. Doncic finished the game with 34 points, marking his third consecutive game scoring 30 or more points since joining the Lakers.
Magic Johnson reflects on Doncic’s impact on the Lakers
Once you’re labeled an NBA star, that status is yours to keep, unless you let it slip. Doncic, however, has embraced his role as a star following his unexpected trade to the Lakers, continuing to deliver outstanding performances that are boosting the team’s playoff hopes.
Magic Johnson shared his thoughts on Doncic’s influence on the Lakers since his arrival. “Offensively, it’s a good team, right? It’s a team you have to say, ‘Okay, man, we’ve got two guys we’ve got to try to control and stop,’” Johnson told Fast Break’s Byron Scott. “But both of those two guys are great passers, so they make the other players better.”