[Highlight] Luke Kennard drills the game-winning three over the Magic as the entire Lakers team swarms him! Lakers 105, Magic 104—nine straight wins! (Full Replay)
This is the 5th game winner for the Lakers this season, by 5 different players. This is Luke Kennard’s first career game winning FG in the final possession of the game.
This is probably the best shot Luke hit for the Hawks this year.
I remember idiots on this sub who said he was washed… pathetic
He looked that way for the first 20 games or so. Then Quin must have blackmailed him into taking more threes or something. Really was playing well for us after that.
Dude plays the perfect role for us. And we finally traded for a 3pt shooter who didnt immediately tank his average
Honestly has turned out to be a win-win trade on the margins for both teams so far. Obviously both teams have been on fire since the ASB but the Lakers get essentially the best 3p specialist itl and it just cost them a 2nd. Hawks didn’t really need a bunch of guys that could only shoot 3s, traded Kennard (and Krejci), got maybe just enough draft assets to dump kispert’s contract in the summer, and I think Gabe Vincent has enough of a minimal role on the Hawks that he’s able to play slightly better here than in LA (that role being please just be better than Keaton wallace)
And now Kennard is helping the hawks even across the country <3 ok the game was in orlando my bad
Oof. Magic on a 4 game slide when they’re in a dogfight with Raps, Hawks, 6ers, and Heat for the 5-6th seed. That’s gotta hurt for a team that pushed their chips in for Bane (only to see Wagner injured).
Marcus Smart made the right passes twice in a row with seconds on the clock.
One of the best things I’ve seen this season from Smart is how well he finds a way to make a key contribution when it really matters. He can be quiet all game on offence and then just steps up.
That’s why they don’t call him Marcus Stupid.
Dude feels like playoff rondo for some odd reason now. He just starts drilling 3s for the Lakers in some games and it’s like wow wtf is the other team going to do.
He did have some pretty questionable plays before but those seems to have gone
really enjoy watching smart
How many times has this happened in history? 🤔
At least once.
Big if true
I wouldn’t call a made FT a game winner, but I guess technically it is
Funny this is technically Kennard’s first career game winning FG. Jan 25 2022 against the wizards, Kennard hit a 4-point play to win the game. But since the 3 was to tie and the FT put them up, it technically doesn’t count.
Kennard hit the 3+1 to win the game against the Wizards for the Clippers, which was also the NBA’s second biggest comeback (35 points)
https://youtu.be/52d5FW5GjD0?si=Q1Pj-qFI5KgEy7Fv
Edit: Nevermind, the 3PT tied the game and he sunk the free throw to win the game
Leaving the best 3 point shooter in the league percentage wise is a certainly a choice.
Luka and Bron as decoy got him that look
Beautiful play design
Why did two guys drop back to guard Bron’s cut? Did they just not have time to communicate that?
There was definitely miscommunication or no communication at all. They were worried about Bron and Luka so much they forgot about Kennard.
Kennard = Dre confirmed.
Can’t spell Kennard without D.R.E.
That’s Lebron’s gravity believe or not
They just made a bad and stupid decision
not stupid at all, previous play was bron open in the paint, they had to follow him this time
But not at the cost of leaving the NBA’s highest percentage three-point shooter wide open, since a two just ties, but a three loses them the game.
Magic had made the choice to switch on all screens, I think. In the previous screen towards the right wing with Luke and Reaves, you can see the clear switch. But then in the second part of the play, LeBron and Luke were both setting screens at the top of the key for Luka, which caused two of the Magic players to get confused on who to switch to when LeBron slipped the screen. If LeBron had been open, Smart would have passed him the ball. But since two Magic players covered LeBron, it left Luke wide open and Smart made the pass to him. Genius play!!!!
*Edit: you can even hear the announcer saying “Smart looking at the rim” right before the pass to Luke. The first option in this play was for LeBron at the rim; Smart was looking for the pass to LeBron at the rim. But when two Magic players followed LeBron’s slip it left Luke wide open at the 3 pt line.
If a move is well timed enough by the time you communicate it’s too late. That’s one where you either understand or you guess. This time they guessed, and guessed wrong.
Thanks JJ Reddit
I thought Redick would be a good coach, and he was solid last year. But he’s just looking so in control and on top of things. I wouldn’t have had him in COTY contention, but this run is the strongest coaching display of the season IMO. The play calling, the structures, the rotations and the player management are magnificent right now. Putting together a winning steak through a really tough stretch of games is incredibly impressive.
Bron ran up the middle and two people were immediately on him
He was gonna yam that thang for the OT.
48%+ is wild to leave open
Incredibly open at that
Legravity and Redick cooked up
I mean when you have LeBron/Luka/AR to worry about in a last second OOB you got to make some choices. That said, I think there was a switch that was supposed to happen there but didn’t.
Idk that was a great play design.
The Lakers really put the Monty Hall problem out there as a lineup. Forcing defenses to make a choice under pressure, and the Magic failed to make the switch.
It’s not like they schemed to leave him open, Bane/Paolo just screwed up a switch
What a play by JJ, Banchero thought Lebron (decoy + option to tie if Luke was covered) was gonna get the pass diving to the lane. Smart with the great inbound to Kennard.
JJ calling plays that he wishes Doc would have called for him.
JJ living vicariously though Narddog.
Lol
I’m not even sure what Paolo and Des could’ve done there because the slip bry Bron was timed perfectly and their only options were to give him an And-1 or leave a shooter open
And Lebron actually had the angle too for a layup, but Banchero behind would have blocked him. Great play from the Lakers.
Lebron, Kennard and Smart are actually on the same diagonal line too, it made the play much more effective.
Kennard and Smart are actually on the same diagonal line too
lol this is perfectly demonstrated by Smart raising his arms and knowing it was going in as it was arcing down because he was lined up perfectly under the basket
Great nugget. Angles matter!
No, the players are great Lakers. They dont play for the nuggets
Los Angles
Bishops
Luke got the look, but this play is designed so that smart hits either Luka, Luke or Lebron depending on what the defense does. Paolo and Bane go with Bron, so that leaves either Luka or Luke wide open. Since they chose to cover Luka, Luke is the option, and why Luka pointed at him.
Honestly? Bane did a great job covering Bron on the switch, but probably would have been undersized 1 on 1 there anyways. Paolo probably could have stayed on Luke, but if he did, then I bet Lebron gets that and muscles through anyways.
But seriously, wtf are you supposed to do if you’re the Magic? The best driver in the history of the game gets to drive to the basket, meanwhile Doncic, Kennard and Reeves are on the perimeter? All three of them are making that shot if they get the ball…
give up the 2 and go to OT, but that’s in hindsight though
Communicate better and anticipate on the switch. They had to double tag because the switch was a little late so they werent confident either one alone was enough to cover bron here.
anticipate on the switch
That requires high BB IQ, maybe a Draymond would’ve seen that ahead of time but not everyones built like that.
I mean at that point its 50-50, they just made the wrong guess
Well based off the reffing the rest of the night, they wouldn’t give him an And-1. It would be a clean “block” again.
Unrelated to the shot, one of the most impressive things about this play to me is how much ground Paolo covered so quickly trying to contest. NBA players are just freaks
I’m too lazy to look it up but I wonder if that is Kennard’s spot because it legit looks like the play was drawn up for him, which if so is impressive for JJ/Lakers coaching staff… Everyone saying that Lakers aren’t real contenders but these little clues at this time of year and what the Lakers have been doing lately should make everyone truly pay attention. The Spurs and OKC are stacked and much younger and more athletic but I think LA got a puncher’s chance at an upset, LeBron and Luka have shown they hit another gear in the playoffs and that opens up a lot for everyone else, Ayton really seems to have accepted his role, got 12 boards tonight and was active off the ball all game.
Luke said in the interview its a decoy play https://youtu.be/4k2WiJsbqvI?t=940. So looks like it was really made for him.
They respect the Narddog.
He looked real comfortable there. He even adjusted his sleeve before he got it like it was a practice shot.
He had to cause Banchero yanked on his sleeve. Banchero thought that would be enough to tilt Kennard a bit, cause he was more worried chasing down Bron.
Unethical defense, ethical offense. Luuuuuuke!
yeah, we are one true 3+D guy away from being top contenders. but a lot of the league can say that
[deleted]
A nice foul but yes
*nice foul
“block”
Darvin Ham could never
dude couldn’t even call a time out let alone draw up a play. boggles my mind that there’s people out there still defending darvin ham.
Bron was actually the first option on that play. Looks like there was miscommunication between Banchero and whoever else.
Bro adjusted his sleeve just as he got wide open…man was READY to fire.
he was recalibrating his NBA2K shot meter
HOW DO THE LAKERS KEEP GETTING THESE BALD WHITE GUYS
they’re just hoarding all the cold ass white boys to fill lebron’s void when he hangs it up
He’s not bald yet, he just should be
great eye lol that is dope
Recalibration in progress.
…. 99%
Recalibration complete.
Jump, shoot, score
Bang!
Not sure if you guys noticed but Paolo pulled the sleeve a bit right before that
He fouled LeBron on the play before but got away uncalled. Pulled Kennard’s arm here but uncalled. All that just to get the game-winning three drained in your face.
Banchero yanked on his sleeve. Thought that would be enough to tilt Kennard a bit, cause he was more worried chasing down Bron.
and then the Arena started playing White Iverson lol
It’s really funny that Kennard is so open that he has time to fix his shooting sleeve before taking the shot.
That’s the sickest part of it. Adjusts it and let’s it fly so calmly.
Watching the replay, it looks like he has no urgency to get behind the 3pt line after it gets pulled. But nope. Doesn’t even look down, casually steps behind the line, sinks it. What a pro.
unbelievably fire way to spice up a game winner. actually the coolest visual for it
Loading the gun. 🔫
Look at that play. what a masterclass by JJ.
He might be the first Lakers coach in a while that’s actually underrated. Vogel and Ham were always in the shadow of LeBron, but I think JJ could be a good coach for well after LeBron is gone.
People definitely said he was a nepo hire because of LeBron but JJ knows ball.
I don’t think there’s any doubt LeBron was an influence in the appointment. But LeBron knows the game, and when he vouches for someone, you listen. And he seemed pretty strong on Redick’s understanding of the game translating as coach.
But the strongest part IMO is the way those two have managed to make LeBron the third option and have everyone buy in. That player management part was always the unknown.
Vogel is slightly underrated but the offense is still mostly Lebron. He’s a defensive coach still. We struggled under him when we didnt buy in plus lacked some more personnel i think
Yeah I personally liked Vogel, but his best days as a really influential coach were with Indiana. Probably the one Lakers coach most fans will end up forgetting they won a ring with lol
He just needs to start calling timeouts before we go on 20-2 runs
JJ is a sicko. Kinda similar to Mazzulla in that regard, very detail-oriented and not afraid to call out players if they don’t stick to the game plan. He’s made some rookie mistakes last year, like playing his starters for an entire half in the playoffs, but he’s learning fast. Sure, having Bron, Luka and AR helps. But the Lakers are becoming an actual team where everyone knows his role. It’s not just the stars taking turns. Smart has been huge for them during their streak. Even Ayton is finally just doing what he’s asked to do. I also get the feeling that the players really respect JJ. Watch some of his locker room speeches, the guy is a great motivational speaker.
Obviously, it’s still just the regular season and OKC and the Spurs are looking much stronger. But if that Lakers team is healthy, they can win against anyone.
JJ even admitted he didn’t draw up the play it was assitant Greg St. Jean
Giving credit to the other coaches is also a good sign though
That is so beautifully drawn up, I dreamed of plays like this during the ham years.
Drew up back-to-back plays where someone ended up with a great look. Shoutout to his staff, too. It looked like one of the assistants had some input on those plays based on watching the bench during the timeout.
Orlando Magic late defense is just running roaches when the lights turn on I’m crying
JJ Redick: And that’s how you scatter the roaches.
AR got shoved but no call lol.
he’s changed my life
He has a knack for that, his 3s are a thing of beauty sometimes
“I’m literally just Luke Kennard.”
So nice to have him on our side now. He used to absolutely torch the Lakers when he played for the clips it was so annoying
The reaction to the road team winning is glorious
Lakers are the NBA!
Kobe getting MVP chants in Boston in 05 cemented that.
Lol yeah Luka was getting MVP chants in Miami as well
Kobe carried the entire NBA in the 2000s. The 2008 Beijing Olympics showed Kobe was really in a tier by himself when it came to international recognition amongst the Chinese audience and the international Olympic athletes.
LeBron probably took over that mantle in 2010 or 2012.
Exactly. That pic where the fans had swarmed the plane he was on and he couldn’t get out. The other guys on the team weren’t getting that. No Celtic has EVER gotten that kind of reception, even in their shithole city.
That last line was so unnecessary and so hilarious
Bill Russell got it at home but it was a slightly different vibe
I would be hot if I was the magic lol cause wtf
Not even a Lakers fan really but it’s great to see the team come together. Luka playing at a MVP level, DA not being a complete liability, signing Luke paying off, and the team just much more mentally tough and finding a way to win. Really needed another team to step up to contend in the west and challenge OKC with the Nuggets, Rockets, and Wolves not looking as strong as people anticipated.
The blown kiss of death by Luka at the end is just so beautiful.
I was at the game, have a sick video of the shot & crowd reaction. Was probably a 65⁄35 split in favor or Lebron/laker/luka fans vs magic fans.
Is Orlando full of transplants that don’t care about the Magic?
Karma for the missed foul on LeBron
I can’t think of a better word for karma unless actually the refs bet on a narrow Laker win.
Fucking playing 5v8 all game.
So I was at the game, first Laker game I’ve seen in person with Luka. They were relentlessly arguing everything during the timeouts. I feel like the refs were legit just annoyed with them.
Banchero also fouls/grabs Kennard during this play as well.
Damnnn im crying. Recent Lakers game feels like playoffs
Probably because every team we’ve played lately has been a contender or play off team
The Lakers bench, Luke, coming in clutch to win the game is actuslly great for lakers playoff hopes. Builds trust between the starters and the bench. Shows that when the guys are fatigued, obviousoy cold, having back up to dig deep and grind out a win is fantastic
Im crying right now
that’s the kind of shot that ruins your whole night if you’re on the other team 😭 like everything goes right for one guy at the worst possible moment 💀
We owed the Magic exactly this after the Wagner game winner in LA last season. Karmic balance has been achieved.
Paolo had that slick foul on LeBron and thought the game was won. Then, he left his man and lost his team the game. Ultimate karma.
Paolo had that slick foul on LeBron and thought the game was won
I don’t know if this was intentional by the Lakers/JJ or not, but I think they were lowkey baiting Paolo to attempt it again on LeBron lol.
Lebron so happy no OT was required
Marcus Smart is a winning player.
Great pass and hilarious reaction on the shot. He knew it was good as it was coming down.
Marcus makes so many winning plays. You can also count on him doing two really stupid things every game, one of which will somehow work.
And he occasionally makes his threes too
Why did they leave him wide open 😂
Because of the play before
looks like bane left him when he wasn’t supposed to. i assume the magic were switching all screens but lebron didnt actually set the screen which caused confusion
Paolo literally grabs his shooting sleeve and leaves him, though.
It was a really good play design, tbh.
This is 100% on Paolo. Got blown by a 41yo. If Bane didn’t switch/help it’d be a layup.
I’m not an NBA coach but I don’t think leaving an elite shooter that open is a winning strategy.
*second most efficient 3pt shooter in the league this season
Look at the nards on Kennard!
i just imagined gabe vincent in that situation
I love hearing the joy drain from the voice of the announcer.
This run has done miracles on me
Inexcusable coverage…
Even if LeBron scores the 2 it’s a tied game
You cannot leave the shooter
And Bron’s likely gonna split those. The Lakers have been Shaq from FT lately
Brah how is Orlando gonna leave him that open
You have Luka, Bron and Reaves on the court.
Luke Kennard is literally a top 5 3P shooter in history on open attempts, lol
What’s your suggestion then?
To not leave him open lmao
41 year old LeBron isn’t going to finish a layup with 2 defenders in the paint, this is piss poor BBIQ from Paolo.
Even if LeBron finishes it’s a tie game, christ, Paolo is horrible.
BEST TEAM IN THE CLUTCH
BEST 3PT% SHOOTER IN THE LEAGUE
FUCK WITH US
TEAM OF DESTINY AHHHH
My former podcaster coach drew excellent back to back plays
I see a lot of questions of why leave Luke open.
You have Bron, Luka and Reaves on the court. What do you guys have in mind?
And considering what happened the play prior. Good play, unfortunate for us but can’t be too mad.
these announcers are so blatantly homers it actually hurts listening to them , the Lakers crew always openly calls them out when they play bad and hypes the plays of the other team no wonder some fans become the way they do these people feed into the biases like crazy
Billy Mac and Stu are excellent announcers
Saved Luka’s stinker, thanks Luke!
Much better clip. They need to scrub the other ones.
jj is sooo good at these ato plays man
lmao smart was celebrating before the ball even went in
He had the perfect angle lol nobody else in the building knew it was going in at that point except for him and maybe Luke.
What a fucking beautiful play by JJ using Luka and Bron as decoys to get Luke wide open
#CARDIACLAKERS
man i love this so much. even tho Luke came in hot, it never felt like he fully fit into the team yet. and then he had that small cold streak. what a shot
where was PB going on that?
Shout out to the best Luka on the Lakers, Luka Nard.
Winning a game like this shows this team is hooping, as did the Miami game. Thought for sure we were losing after luka went cold. Go lakers!
I can watch this all day
How does the best shooter in the league get left that wide open!?
Dude had a priority to adjust his sleeve first before catching that ball lol
Bron such good teammate man
Hang it in the Louvre
That boy is from Dayton Ohio!!! Represent!
Lol the sleeve adjustment was cold as fuck.
Bro got his sleeve almost pulled off, slid it back in place, and then nothing but net. DAWG
That was clean AF
Even the crooked, deformed rims at the carnival couldn’t have stopped it
they got trapped by the huge 41yr old ass of Lebron during the chaos
Beautiful play
Much better clip than the other one. Wow they really just left him alone.
lol how do you leave him open?
Road game and the fans are cheering 😅
March sadness is a great call
My boy was so open he had enough time to fix his arm sleeve lol
S/o to the patience that Marcus smart had on the inbound.
I wanna hate Rob but this team is actually pretty decent. Smart and Kennard were great pickups.
Idk how to feel about LAL in the playoffs but I’m def gonna watch!
Tuggin’ on his non-shooting sleeve.
Luke Magic!
Nard dawg doing work. Cold
Everyone went to LeBron and Luka, don’t blame them.
Such a beautiful play call.
ah the ole’ late regular season lakers win streak a tale as old as lebron
Luka blowing a kiss to the crowd after the game winner goes in.
LMFAO
Gabe Vincent could NEVER.