In a heart-stopping finish, Rui Hachimura delivered a clutch buzzer-beating three-pointer to seal a dramatic 123-120 victory for the Los Angeles Lakers over the Toronto Raptors on Friday, December 5, 2025 (Philippine time). The win came despite the end of a legendary personal streak for Lakers superstar LeBron James.
Historic Streak Comes to a Close
The game marked a significant moment in NBA history, as LeBron James's incredible run of 1,297 consecutive games with double-digit points was snapped. The last time James failed to score at least 10 points was on January 5, 2007, against the Milwaukee Bucks. In this contest, the four-time MVP was limited to just eight points. However, he still made a crucial contribution, dishing out his 11th and final assist of the night to set up Hachimura's game-winning shot.
Lakers Step Up in Absence of Stars
The Lakers secured the hard-fought road win despite missing two key players. Luka Doncic was out for personal reasons, while Marcus Smart was sidelined with a back issue. Austin Reaves brilliantly filled the offensive void, erupting for a game-high 44 points and adding 10 assists. Deandre Ayton contributed 17 points, Jake LaRavia had 14, while both Hachimura and Nick Smith Jr. chipped in 12 points each.
Raptors Put Up a Fight Shorthanded
The host Toronto Raptors also battled through significant injuries, missing RJ Barrett (knee) and Jakob Poeltl (back). They were led by Scottie Barnes, who recorded a double-double with 23 points and 11 rebounds. Brandon Ingram added 20 points, and rookie Ja'Kobe Walter provided 17 points in a strong effort that ultimately fell just short against Hachimura's last-second heroics.
The victory provides a momentum boost for the Lakers, who demonstrated resilience and depth in the face of adversity and a historic shift for their leader, LeBron James.
