The Athletic NBA Daily LeBron's Historic Streak Ends on Rui Hachimura Buzzer Beater
Dec 5, 2025
Law Murray, an NBA reporter specializing in the Clippers and league analysis, joins the hosts to discuss the recent end of LeBron James' scoring streak. They break down the chaotic final moments of the Lakers-Raptors game, highlighting Rui Hachimura's buzzer-beater assist from LeBron. The conversation shifts to the Clippers, with Murray detailing locker-room energy issues leading to Chris Paul's departure and the team's impressive win without him. They also explore future trades, roster depth, and potential strategies as the trade window approaches.
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Streak Ends With A Selfless Play
- LeBron's 1,297-game 10-point scoring streak ended when he assisted Rui Hachimura's buzzer-beater instead of scoring himself.
- Dave DuFour and Esfandiar Baraheni view the finish as poetic and emblematic of LeBron's career-long willingness to pass up shots for teammates.
Austin Reeves Takes Over Without Luka
- Austin Reeves has become the Lakers' leading scorer in Luka's absence, combining pick-and-roll creation, shooting, and foul-drawing.
- Esfandiar Baraheni credits Reeves' craftiness and finishing as a core reason the Lakers' offense runs smoothly without Luka.
Passing Over Scoring, But Age Shows
- LeBron struggled to score but remained impactful as a passer with 11 assists and no turnovers.
- Hosts note he looks older and partially checked out, raising questions about his current on-court role and level.