RUI HACHIMURA drilled the game-winning three-pointer to lift the Los Angeles Lakers to a 123-120 victory over the Toronto Raptors in their 2025-26 NBA Regular Season matchup on Thursday night (Friday in the Philippines) at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.
The Raptors held a 120-118 lead with under a minute left after a basket by Brandon Ingram, but Austin Reaves tied the game with a short jumper with 41 seconds remaining.
Ingram missed a potential go-ahead shot on the next possession, allowing the Lakers to regain control. LeBron James then found Hachimura on the wing for the decisive triple.
Hachimura finished with 12 points, including two three-pointers, along with three rebounds and a steal as the Lakers secured the win despite the absence of Luka Doncic.
Reaves starred for Lakers with a game-high 44 points, 10 assists, and five rebounds. Deandre Ayton added 18 points, while Jake LaRavia and Nick Smith Jr. chipped in 14 and 12 off the bench, respectively.
James was held to just eight points, ending his streak of 1,297 consecutive games scoring in double digits. He still contributed six rebounds and 11 assists, including the pass that set up Hachimura’s winner.
The victory came a day before the Lakers’ rivalry matchup today with Boston Celtics, who earlier logged a dominant 146-101 win over Washington Wizards despite resting star guard Jaylen Brown.
Scottie Barnes led Toronto with 23 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists. Former Laker Brandon Ingram scored 20 points, while JaKobe Walter added 17.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia 76ers escaped with a 99-98 win over Golden State Warriors behind rookie VJ Edgecombe’s game-winner. Edgecombe finished with 10 points, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals.
In other results, Utah Jazz also tallied a 123-110 come-from-behind win over Brooklyn Nets, while Minnesota Timberwolves defeated New Orleans Pelicans, 125-116./PN
