Hachimura’s Buzzer-Beater Sends Lakers Past Raptors as LeBron Halts Historic Streak
5 December 2025
Hachimura’s Buzzer-Beater Sends Lakers Past Raptors
Rui Hachimura propelled the Los Angeles Lakers to a 123-120 victory over the Toronto Raptors with a game-winning three at the buzzer, fed by a veteran pass from LeBron James, who finished with eight points in the affair.
Austin Reaves erupted for 44 points and 10 assists in a dazzling double-double, while LeBron contributed eight points and 11 assists and delivered the final setup that set up the winning play.
Toronto pressed LA in a high-drama clash as the West met the East in a showdown that swung back and forth, with Reaves’s late offense helping the Lakers pull away.
LeBron, speaking after the game, emphasized playing the right way and making smart decisions on the fly.
That moment also marked the end of LeBron's historic 1,297-game streak with 10+ points, a milestone widely regarded as one of the longest in NBA history.
The Raptors answered with a strong showing from Scottie Barnes (23) and Brandon Ingram (20) in support, while a handful of other players contributed to keep the score tight until the finish.
In Boston later that night, the Celtics overwhelmed the Wizards 146-101 as Jaylen Brown sat out with an illness; Derrick White poured in 30 points in the win.
Back on the East Coast, Philadelphia edged Golden State 99-98 on a night of late drama, led by Tyrese Maxey's 35 points as the 76ers survived after a tense finish and a clutch late stop.
One of the night’s closing acts saw a Bahamas-born guard, a 20-year-old rookie, deliver a decisive late play that helped seal the win for Philadelphia, while Maxey's scoring pace underscored the Sixers' depth.
Finally, the game featured a crucial defensive theft with 8.2 seconds left that sealed Philadelphia's victory, underscoring the league’s tradition of late-game theater.
Punchline: Hachimura’s shot was so clutch it probably filed for a mortgage on the backboard. Punchline 2: LeBron’s streak may have ended, but the highlight reel keeps getting longer—some things in basketball age like fine wine, others age like me after a late game snack run.
