Should LeBron James' historic buzzer-beater count?

James, 40, also became the oldest player ever to make a game-winner to seal a victory. 

The buzzer-beater notwithstanding, James endured a horrid shooting night. For the first time since 2010, he failed to make a field goal through the first half, and his shooting woes continued into the third quarter. Entering the final period, he was 0-of-6 from the field, and his only three points came from the charity stripe. 

James needed to score seven points in the fourth quarter to sustain his 18-year streak of double-digit-scoring games. He would answer the bell with 10 by going 4-of-6 from the floor, including the game-winning shot.

The 22-year veteran finished with 13 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists in the hard-fought 120-119 win over the Pacers. The Lakers entered the contest on a three-game losing streak, which would have extended to four defeats if not for James's last-second tip-in. 

After the game, James explained why another loss would have been devastating for his team. 

"The way we've been playing... to come in here and get a win in a very hostile environment is big time for our ball club," James said.