ROBERT WARD WINS THE MIRAGE BIG SHOT JACKPOT CONTEST

... And he banked it in.

Repeat: The shot went in the hoop, after 124 consecutive misses at STAPLES Center.

How about that?

Even better: Ward, a 23-year-old Mission Viejo native, is currently a senior at USC who plans to use some of his money to pay off college loans.

A sold-out crowd celebrated Ward's shot with an extended standing ovation as he stood in complete and utter disbelief. After the shot went on, Ward literally couldn't move. He wasn't able to even summon his arms above his head for a good 15 seconds as the noise continued to crescendo, and Sasha Vujacic came over to congratulate him before the fourth quarter started.

Afterwards, we spent a few minutes talking first to the happiest guy in the building, and then getting some post-shot reaction from Vujacic, Kobe Bryant and Lamar Odom.

PRESS RELEASE

While participating in The Mirage Big Shot Jackpot Contest at the end of the third quarter in tonight’s game against the Atlanta Hawks at STAPLES Center, contestant Robert Ward hit a half-court shot to win $165,000. The 23 year old Mission Viejo native, currently a senior at USC, had just one attempt from half-court to win, and received a standing ovation from the sellout crowd upon making the shot.

The Mirage is The Official Las Vegas Destination for the Los Angeles Lakers.