Lakers vs Magic: Kennard’s Game-Winning Three Caps Improbable Comeback as LA Wins Ninth Straight

The Los Angeles Lakers extended their winning streak to nine games in the most dramatic fashion possible on Saturday night, as Luke Kennard buried a go-ahead three-pointer with 0.6 seconds remaining to secure a 105-104 victory over the Orlando Magic at the Kia Center .

The wild finish capped a back-and-forth battle that saw the Lakers rally from a five-point deficit in the final minute, survive a potential game-tying shot being blocked, and ultimately escape with their 12th win in their last 13 games .

Final Score: Lakers 105, Magic 104

How It Happened: A Wild Final Minute

With 50 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, the Magic appeared to be in control. Paolo Banchero converted two free throws to give Orlando a 104-99 lead, seemingly putting the game out of reach .

But the Lakers refused to fold.

42 seconds left: Austin Reaves drove the lane for a quick layup, cutting the deficit to 104-101 .

10 seconds left: Reaves missed a potential game-tying three-pointer, but Deandre Ayton grabbed the offensive rebound and was fouled .

5.5 seconds left: Ayton made his first free throw to make it 104-102, then intentionally missed the second. Wendell Carter Jr. secured the rebound for Orlando .

4.1 seconds left: Magic guard Jalen Suggs attempted to inbound the ball to Banchero, but LeBron James deflected the pass, forcing a turnover. Orlando challenged the call, but replay review confirmed the Lakers would retain possession .

3 seconds left: Marcus Smart inbounded to James, who drove for what could have been a game-tying dunk. But Banchero rose up and rejected the shot, sending the ball out of bounds .

2.6 seconds left: The Lakers had one final chance. Smart found Luke Kennard—the NBA’s most accurate three-point shooter this season—wide open at the top of the arc. Kennard didn’t hesitate, swishing the shot as the buzzer sounded .

Final: Lakers 105, Magic 104.

“I think the last possession, we just didn’t make a play,” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said afterward. “That’s what it came down to” .

Key Performances

Los Angeles Lakers

Luka Dončić: 33 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists, 4 steals
Dončić was dominant in the first half, scoring 24 points on 10-of-17 shooting. However, he struggled after the break, managing just two field goals in the second half and finishing 12-of-30 overall .

Austin Reaves: 26 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals
Reaves carried the Lakers in the fourth quarter, scoring 11 of his 26 points in the final period. He also threw down a surprising fast-break dunk in the first quarter that energized the bench .

Luke Kennard: 13 points, 3 rebounds, 5-of-7 shooting (3-of-4 from three)
Kennard had been quiet in recent games, averaging just 8.4 points on limited attempts, but he delivered when it mattered most. His game-winning three was his only shot attempt in the final 10 minutes .

LeBron James: 12 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals
James made history before the game even started—this marked his 1,612th regular-season appearance, breaking the NBA record previously held by Robert Parish . On the court, he struggled offensively but made a crucial defensive play to force the late turnover .

Deandre Ayton: 9 points, 12 rebounds
Ayton was efficient from the field (3-of-4) and grabbed several key offensive boards, including the critical rebound with 10 seconds left that kept the Lakers alive .

Orlando Magic

Paolo Banchero: 16 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, 1 block
The former No. 1 overall pick was the Magic’s offensive engine and delivered the block on James that nearly sealed the win .

Jalen Suggs: 14 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists
Suggs provided energy on both ends but committed the costly turnover on the inbounds pass that gave the Lakers life .

Wendell Carter Jr.: 13 points, 9 rebounds
Carter was a force inside and grabbed the rebound after Ayton’s intentional miss, only to see the turnover give possession back to Los Angeles .

Desmond Bane: 12 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists
Bane struggled with his shot (4-of-14) and committed five turnovers, but he contributed defensively with three steals .

Seven Magic players scored in double figures, but it wasn’t enough to snap their four-game losing streak .

Dončić’s Technical Foul: A Looming Suspension

Late in the third quarter, Dončić was assessed his 16th technical foul of the season after exchanging words with Magic big man Goga Bitadze. Both players received double technicals .

Per NBA rules, a player who accumulates 16 technical fouls in a regular season receives an automatic one-game suspension. Unless the league rescinds the technical, Dončić will be unavailable for Monday’s game against the Detroit Pistons .

“It happened late in the third quarter when he and Magic big man Goga Bitadze were called for double technical fouls after the two had a verbal exchange” .

LeBron James Makes History

Before the game even tipped off, James cemented his place in NBA history. His appearance against the Magic was the 1,612th regular-season game of his career, surpassing Robert Parish for the most in NBA history .

James, now 41, has played 23 seasons in the league and shows no signs of slowing down. He finished the night with 12 points, six rebounds, four assists, and three steals in 34 minutes .

What This Win Means for the Lakers

The victory improves the Lakers to 46-25, solidifying their hold on third place in the Western Conference. They now lead the fourth-place Houston Rockets by three games .

More importantly, this win showcased a different dimension of this Lakers team. When Dončić struggled in the second half, others stepped up. Reaves carried the offense. Kennard delivered the knockout blow. The defense forced critical turnovers when it mattered most .

“The Lakers are proving that they’re championship contenders. And Kennard just showed that he belongs” .

The nine-game winning streak is the longest active streak in the NBA and represents a remarkable turnaround from a three-game losing skid in late February that included a loss to these same Magic .

What’s Next for Both Teams

Los Angeles Lakers (46-25)

The Lakers travel to Detroit to face the Pistons on Monday, March 23. Dončić’s availability remains uncertain pending the league’s review of his 16th technical foul .

Orlando Magic (38-32)

The Magic return home to host the Indiana Pacers on Monday. They’ll look to snap their four-game losing streak and regain momentum in the Eastern Conference playoff race .

Final Thoughts

The Lakers-Magic matchup was a microcosm of Los Angeles’ season: early dominance, a mid-game struggle, and a resilient finish when it counted most. For a team that looked lost after a February loss to these same Magic, Saturday’s victory represents growth .

“We went from losing to this team in heartbreaking fashion to beating them in miraculous fashion,” one observer noted. “That’s the sign of a team that has found its identity” .

For the Magic, the loss stings—especially after leading by five with under a minute to play. But with seven players scoring in double figures and a defense that held the NBA’s hottest team to 44.8% shooting, there are positives to build on .

In a season full of twists and turns, the Lakers just authored one of their most memorable victories yet. And they owe it to the NBA’s most accurate three-point shooter, who finally got his moment in the spotlight .

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Quick Stats: Lakers vs Magic (March 21, 2026)

Leading Scorers: Dončić (LAL) 33, Reaves (LAL) 26, Banchero (ORL) 16
Rebounds: Ayton (LAL) 12, Carter Jr. (ORL) 9
Assists: Dončić (LAL) 8, Banchero (ORL) 6