The Los Angeles Lakers extended their winning streak to nine games Saturday night, escaping with a 105-104 victory over the Orlando Magic at Kia Center after Luke Kennard drilled a 3-pointer with 0.6 seconds remaining.
The game also marked a historic milestone for LeBron James, who appeared in his 1,612th regular-season game to set the NBA record for most games played, surpassing the mark held by Robert Parish for nearly three decades.
Kennard’s decisive shot capped a late comeback for Los Angeles, which improved to 46-25 and remained third in the Western Conference standings. The defeat dropped Orlando to 38-32 and extended the club’s losing streak to four games.
Luka Doncic led all scorers with 33 points while adding eight assists, five rebounds, four steals and a block across 38 minutes. The Lakers guard shot 12-of-30 from the field and hit three 3-pointers, helping the visitors stay within reach throughout the second half.
Austin Reaves added 26 points, seven rebounds and five assists, providing secondary scoring and ballhandling during key stretches of the fourth quarter.
James finished with 12 points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals in 34 minutes during his record-setting appearance. The veteran forward reached the milestone quietly but contributed a key stretch midway through the third quarter when he scored six consecutive points to push Los Angeles ahead by eight.
The Magic responded and controlled much of the late game, building a five-point lead entering the final minute.
Orlando had balanced scoring with seven players reaching double figures. Paolo Banchero paced the group with 16 points and six assists despite shooting 4-of-14 from the field, while Wendell Carter Jr. added 13 points and nine rebounds.
Jalen Suggs contributed 14 points and six assists, and Tristan da Silva scored 12 points on 4-of-6 shooting.
The decisive sequence unfolded in the closing seconds after Banchero blocked a James attempt out of bounds with 4.7 seconds left. Officials reviewed the play and ruled the ball had not deflected off James’ foot, giving Los Angeles possession.
Marcus Smart inbounded the ball and found Kennard on the perimeter, where the sharpshooter connected on a catch-and-shoot 3-pointer to give the Lakers the lead with less than a second remaining.
Kennard finished with 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting, including 3-of-4 from beyond the arc.
Los Angeles shot 45% from the field but struggled from long distance at 8-of-32. The Magic shot 43% overall and hit 11 3-pointers while converting 21-of-23 free throws.
Doncic was also assessed his 16th technical foul of the season, which triggers an automatic one-game suspension unless the league rescinds it upon review.
The Lakers continue their road trip Monday against the Detroit Pistons, while the Magic host the Indiana Pacers in Orlando.
