Lakers History: Robert Horry Hits Buzzer-Beater Against Kings To Save 2002 Season
Robert Horry Game Winning Shot
With less than one second remaining on the clock, Los Angeles Lakers’ Robert Horry (5) shoots a three-point shot over the reach of Sacramento Kings’ Chris Webber (4) to win Game 4 of the NBA Western Conference finals 100-99, Sunday, May 26, 2002, in Los Angeles. Watching is Kings’ Vlade Divac (21), Lakers’ Kobe Bryant (8), Lakers’ Rick Fox, behind Bryant, and Kings’ Doug Christie, far right. (AP Photo/Riverside Press-Enterprise, William Wilson Lewis III)

Through the first three games of the Western Conference Finals in 2002, the Sacramento Kings had taken a 2-1 series lead over the Lakers.

Going into Game 4, the Lakers knew that if they lost, their season and three-peat hopes were virtually on the line. Behind 3 games to 1 with two of the next three games in Sacramento would likely be an insurmountable obstacle.

The Kings came out on fire in Game 4, taking a 40-20 lead after the end of the first quarter. They shot the ball at an otherworldly percentage, making it that much harder for the Lakers to have any shot at a comeback.

The road to a victory would be an uphill battle for the Lakers, but it was an obstacle they would have to embrace if they desired another NBA title. They would slowly grind and chip their way back into the game, and would ultimately give themselves one chance to tie the game or win on the final possession. As the clock wore down Robert Horry found himself behind the three-point line with the loose ball and the rest is history.

Check out Horry’s game-winner in the Game 4 of the 2002 Western Conference Finals:

Though the Kings would go on to win Game 5, Horry’s historic game-winner would be the turning point in the Lakers 2002 playoff run. The Lakers went on to win Games 6 and 7, defeating the Kings in a classic series and advancing to their third straight NBA Finals where they would eventually three-peat.

In the end, without Horry’s heroics, the Lakers likely aren’t champions in 2002.

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!

You May Also Like

Lakers Austin Reaves On ‘Too Small’ Gesture To Patrick Beverley: “Right Time, Right Situation”

Coming out of the Los Angeles Lakers’ loss on Sunday to the Chicago Bulls, one of the main talking points was former…

Lakers Vs. Warriors Game 2 Preview: Looking To Take Control Of Series With Another Road Win

After stealing Game 1 on the road, the Los Angeles Lakers look to do so again in Game 2 against the Golden State Warriors…

Lakers News: Frank Vogel Disappointed For Fans After Being Swept By Clippers

The Los Angeles Lakers hit another low point in their 2021-22 season with a 132-111 loss to the L.A. Clippers…

Following Trade To Jazz, Darvin Ham Praises Russell Westbrook For ‘Unbelievable Sacrifice’ He Made With Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers made a number of moves at this year’s trade deadline, but without a doubt the biggest was the deal…