Luke Kennard hits game-winner to lift Lakers to ninth straight win

Lakers guard hits clutch 3-pointer to defeat Magic in close contest

Mar. 22, 2026 at 2:24am

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The Los Angeles Lakers extended their winning streak to nine games with a narrow 105-104 victory over the Orlando Magic. Despite a slow second half, Lakers guard Luke Kennard hit the game-winning 3-pointer in the final seconds to secure the win. Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 33 points, while Austin Reaves added 26 points.

Why it matters

The Lakers' winning streak is their longest of the season, showcasing their ability to grind out close games even when their star players struggle. The victory also keeps the Lakers firmly in the playoff picture in the Western Conference.

The details

The Lakers jumped out to a 37-23 lead in the first quarter, led by 16 points from Luka Doncic. However, the team went cold in the final three quarters, shooting just 35.9% from the field. The Magic responded with a 22-2 run to take the lead late, but Kennard's clutch 3-pointer in the final seconds gave the Lakers the victory.

  • The Lakers were playing their third game in four nights.
  • Kennard hit the game-winning shot with less than a second left in regulation.

The players

Luke Kennard

A reserve guard for the Los Angeles Lakers who hit the game-winning 3-pointer to lift the team to victory.

Luka Doncic

The Lakers' star player who scored 33 points, but struggled in the second half as the team went cold from the field.

Austin Reaves

A Lakers guard who added 26 points, seven rebounds, and five assists in the win.

LeBron James

The Lakers' veteran forward who contributed 12 points, six rebounds, and four assists.

Jalen Suggs

The Magic's young guard who attempted a 69-foot shot at the buzzer that fell short.

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What’s next

The Lakers will continue their six-game road trip with a matchup against the Detroit Pistons on Monday. The Pistons currently lead the Eastern Conference with a 51-19 record, but will be without All-Star guard Cade Cunningham, who is sidelined due to a collapsed lung.

The takeaway

The Lakers' ability to grind out a close victory despite an off night from their star players demonstrates their resilience and depth. The team's nine-game winning streak keeps them firmly in the playoff picture in the Western Conference, setting up an intriguing matchup against the East-leading Pistons on Monday.