LeBron James’ late three-pointer forced overtime and propelled the Los Angeles Lakers to a 112-108 victory over the Houston Rockets, giving them a 3-0 series lead in the Western Conference first round.
The 41-year-old scored 29 points, grabbed 13 rebounds and dished out six assists while playing 45 minutes and four seconds, stepping up in the absence of injured starters Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Marcus Smart added 21 points, 10 assists and five steals, including a critical interception late in regulation that sparked the Lakers’ comeback.
With the game tied at 100 and 13.6 seconds left, James drained a deep three to send the contest into extra time. He nearly won it in regulation, rattling in a follow-up attempt as the buzzer sounded. The Lakers then outscored Houston 12-8 in overtime, with Smart scoring eight of those points.
Houston had taken a one-point lead with 4:59 remaining after overcoming a 15-point first-half deficit, fueled by a three from rookie guard Reed Sheppard. The Rockets’ energy surged as the sparse early crowd filled in, but Alperen Sengun’s dunk over James with 40.6 seconds left briefly shifted momentum.
Lakers forward Rui Hachimura later admitted the team felt a lull in energy after the dunk, saying they needed a spark. Smart delivered it by jumping a lazy pass from Jabari Smith Jr., leading to free throws that steadied the Lakers before James’ heroics.
For more on this story, see Wembanyama’s Historic Playoff Debut Powers Spurs’ 111-98 Win Over Trail Blazers.
Kevin Durant remained sidelined for Houston with an ankle sprain, marking his second absence in the series. The Rockets must win Game 4 at home to avoid a sweep and keep their season alive.
The Lakers are seeking their first playoff series sweep since the second round in 2010. A win in Game 4 would advance them to the Western Conference semifinals.
Elsewhere in the playoffs, the San Antonio Spurs lead the Portland Trail Blazers 2-1 after Stephon Castle’s 33-point effort, while rookie Dylan Harper posted 27 points and 10 rebounds. Victor Wembanyama remained out due to concussion protocol.
In the East, the Boston Celtics took a 2-1 lead over the Philadelphia 76ers with a 108-100 win, as Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown each scored 25 points.
How did the Lakers overcome a six-point deficit in the final 30 seconds?
They forced turnovers, hit key free throws and relied on LeBron James’ late three-pointer to tie the game before winning in overtime.
What does this mean for the Rockets’ chances in the series?
They must win Game 4 at home to avoid a 0-3 deficit and prevent a sweep that would end their playoff run.
Is Luka Durant expected to return for Game 4?
No, Kevin Durant remains out with an ankle sprain and is questionable for Sunday’s game.
