LeBron James Buzzer-Beater vs Pacers Seals Lakers’ Thrilling 120-119 Victory

LeBron James Buzzer-Beater vs Pacers Stuns Indiana in 120-119 Lakers Win

INDIANAPOLIS – The LeBron James buzzer-beater vs Pacers has once again left Indiana heartbroken. With a perfectly timed tip-in at the last second, James lifted the Los Angeles Lakers to a dramatic 120-119 victory, making the Pacers the only team he has beaten at the buzzer three times in his career.


LeBron James Buzzer-Beater vs Pacers: A Different Kind of Game-Winner

Unlike his past game-winning shots against Indiana, this LeBron James buzzer-beater vs Pacers came from sheer hustle rather than a signature deep jumper. With Luka Dončić’s floater bouncing off the rim, James maneuvered past Jarace Walker and instinctively tipped the ball in just before the final buzzer sounded.

Initially, James wasn’t sure if his shot had counted.

“I couldn’t celebrate right away because I wasn’t sure if I got it off in time,” James admitted. “It’s always tricky when you see the red light on the backboard. I thought I made it in time, but you never really know until the replay confirms it.”


Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and guard Austin Reaves (15) high five during the second half of a game against the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Lakers defeated the Pacers 120-119.
Christine Tannous/IndyStar

 

LeBron James Buzzer-Beater vs Pacers Adds to His Legendary Clutch Moments

This LeBron James buzzer-beater vs Pacers is just another chapter in his legendary history of game-winning shots. His first buzzer-beater against Indiana came in Game 1 of the 2013 Eastern Conference Finals when he sliced through the defense and finished a layup past Paul George to win in overtime. The second occurred in the 2018 playoffs, when he blocked Victor Oladipo’s go-ahead layup before nailing a deep three-pointer over Thaddeus Young.

However, this time was different. James wasn’t even the primary option on the final play. He had the ball in the post but passed it out to Dončić, who attempted a floater that fell short. James anticipated the miss, acted instinctively, and delivered the game-winner.

“I was watching the ball off the rim,” James explained. “It looked a little short, so I thought it might hit the front rim and bounce out. I just had to react and tip it in before time ran out.”


LeBron James Ties Kobe Bryant, Joe Johnson in Buzzer-Beater History

With this LeBron James buzzer-beater vs Pacers, he now has eight career game-winning buzzer-beaters, tying him with Kobe Bryant and Joe Johnson for the second-most in NBA history. Only Michael Jordan, with nine, has more.

Interestingly, Jordan also defeated the same team three times at the buzzer—Cleveland—adding yet another parallel between two of the greatest players of all time.

Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, who led Indiana’s furious fourth-quarter comeback, acknowledged James’ dominance.

“That’s the first time I’ve ever lost on a buzzer-beater in the NBA,” Haliburton said. “If it had to be anyone, of course, it was him.”


LeBron James Buzzer-Beater vs Pacers Showcases His Resilience

For most of the game, it seemed like James was heading toward a rare off-night. He had just three points through three quarters—all from free throws—making it the first time in his career that he had played that long without a made field goal. His NBA-record streak of 1,282 consecutive games scoring in double figures was in serious jeopardy.

With Luka Dončić (34 points) and Austin Reaves (24 points) shouldering the scoring load, James had taken just six shots entering the fourth quarter. However, when Indiana cut the deficit to three early in the final period, James responded. He knocked down two quick buckets and finished with 10 fourth-quarter points, proving once again why he remains one of the game’s greatest closers.

Lakers head coach J.J. Redick praised James for impacting the game even when his scoring was limited.

“He wasn’t scoring much early, but his defense, rebounding, and leadership kept us in it,” Redick said. “Then, when the moment came, he delivered—just like he always does.”

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LeBron James Buzzer-Beater vs Pacers Cements His Clutch Legacy

With this LeBron James buzzer-beater vs Pacers, three different Indiana teams have now been on the losing end of his late-game heroics. At 40 years old, James continues to prove that when the game is on the line, he remains one of the most dangerous players in basketball.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) tips in the ball, defeating the Indiana Pacers in the last second of a game Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Lakers defeated the Pacers 120-119.
Christine Tannous/IndyStar

 

 

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates after he tips in the ball, defeating the Indiana Pacers in the last second of a game Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Lakers defeated the Pacers 120-119.
Christine Tannous/IndyStar
Indiana Pacers players react as the Los Angeles Lakers defeat them during the second half of a game Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Lakers defeated the Pacers 120-119.
Christine Tannous/IndyStar
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) celebrates with guard Bennedict Mathurin (00) after Haliburton scores against the Los Angeles Lakers, tying the score during the second half of a game Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Lakers defeated the Pacers 120-119.
Christine Tannous/IndyStar
Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) shoots the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of a game Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Lakers defeated the Pacers 120-119.
Christine Tannous/IndyStar
Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (11) and forward LeBron James (23) guard Indiana Pacers forward Jarace Walker (5) as he shoots the ball during the second half of a game Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Lakers defeated the Pacers 120-119.
Christine Tannous/IndyStar

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