What LeBron James thinks of Luke Kennard’s game-winning shot vs. Orlando Magic
Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images LeBron James did not need to wait for confirmation when Luke Kennard released his game-winning shot, already convinced it was going in during the Lakers’ dramatic win over the Orlando Magic. The moment sealed a 105-104 victory and extended the Lakers’ momentum, with Kennard delivering in a high-pressure late-game situation. For LeBron, the reaction said everything about the trust he has in the veteran shooter.
Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images LeBron James’ reaction to Luke Kennard’s game-winner LeBron James praised Kennard’s shot immediately after the game, explaining why he was already celebrating before the ball dropped. “When I turned and saw who had the ball on a wide-open three, I pretty much knew it was cash,” James said. He added: “But obviously, you got to see it go through and I had a super-quick reaction right after it [because] I knew they [Magic] had no timeouts.
” That level of certainty reflects Kennard’s reputation as one of the league’s most reliable perimeter shooters. LeBron’s instant reaction was also shaped by game awareness, knowing Orlando had no chance to respond once the shot fell. Luke Kennard late three vs Magic decisive moment Luke Kennard’s late three-pointer against the Orlando Magic came in a tightly contested finish, with the Lakers needing precise execution in the final possession.
The play developed into a clean perimeter look, allowing Kennard to step into an uncontested attempt rather than forcing a difficult shot under pressure. The timing of the shot left Orlando with no realistic opportunity to respond, which shaped both the outcome and the immediate reaction from teammates. Moments like this underline Kennard’s role within the Lakers’ structure, where spacing and shooting are critical in late-game situations.
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