On loan from Manchester City, Wilson-Esbrand opened his scoring account in the league by curling into the far corner in the 84th minute.
Reims dominated the first half but Lorient goalkeeper Yvon Mvogo saved a downward header from Teddy Teuma in the 13th and a deflected shot from Mohamed Daramy in the 29th. The hosts continued to push for a winner in the second half. Teuma’s tame effort in the 70th didn’t trouble Mvogo while Junya Ito missed the target with a lob in the 72nd.
Apparently frustrated by some calls and Lorient’s time-wasting, Reims coach Will Still was sent off in the 81st after receiving a second yellow card for dissent.Lens played Nantes later in Saturday's other league game.