LeBron's Heroics Lead Lakers to Overtime Win; Rockets on Brink After 3rd Straight Loss
The Lakers took a commanding 3-0 lead in the first round of the NBA playoffs after a 112-108 OT victory over the Rockets, fueled by LeBron James's 29 points and Rui Hachimura's 22.
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- 📰 Published: April 25, 2026 at 12:54
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(Houston, 24th, Combined News) In the NBA playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers fought a tough battle against the Houston Rockets on their home court today. Led by veteran LeBron James, the two teams struggled into overtime, where the Lakers finally clinched a 112-108 victory. The Rockets, who faltered in the final moments, now face elimination after suffering three consecutive losses.
The Lakers, already up 2-0, remained without stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. However, Rockets star Kevin Durant was also absent. LeBron James led the Lakers to hold off the Rockets' counterattack, scoring a team-high 29 points. His game-tying three-pointer with 14 seconds left in regulation saved the team and forced overtime, despite him committing eight turnovers during the game.
The Lakers led for most of the first half, peaking at a 15-point advantage. Beyond LeBron, Rui Hachimura made significant contributions, finishing with 22 points. The Lakers went into halftime leading 63-52, while the Rockets relied on Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Sengun to stay in the game.
The game shifted in the third quarter. Amen Thompson, who had 10 points in the first half, repeatedly broke through the Lakers' defense, scoring 11 in that quarter alone to lead the Rockets' comeback. With about six minutes left in the fourth, the game was tied as Sengun dominated the paint, putting the Lakers in a difficult spot.
In the final minute, LeBron missed a drive and the Lakers conceded two points. He then committed a turnover, giving the Rockets a 6-point lead with about 30 seconds left. However, the Rockets choked with victory in sight; fouls and consecutive turnovers allowed the Lakers to make free throws, and LeBron redeemed himself with the tying three-pointer. Both teams missed final attempts, entering overtime at 101-101.
Overtime saw the Rockets' morale plummet as Marcus Smart and Hachimura pulled the Lakers ahead. Smart finished with 21 points. Sengun led all scorers with 33 points for the Rockets, while Thompson and Smith added 26 and 24, respectively.
Despite missing two key stars, the Lakers secured a 3-0 lead in the series. The Rockets now face a historic 0-3 deficit, which no team in NBA history has ever overturned.
The Lakers, already up 2-0, remained without stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. However, Rockets star Kevin Durant was also absent. LeBron James led the Lakers to hold off the Rockets' counterattack, scoring a team-high 29 points. His game-tying three-pointer with 14 seconds left in regulation saved the team and forced overtime, despite him committing eight turnovers during the game.
The Lakers led for most of the first half, peaking at a 15-point advantage. Beyond LeBron, Rui Hachimura made significant contributions, finishing with 22 points. The Lakers went into halftime leading 63-52, while the Rockets relied on Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Sengun to stay in the game.
The game shifted in the third quarter. Amen Thompson, who had 10 points in the first half, repeatedly broke through the Lakers' defense, scoring 11 in that quarter alone to lead the Rockets' comeback. With about six minutes left in the fourth, the game was tied as Sengun dominated the paint, putting the Lakers in a difficult spot.
In the final minute, LeBron missed a drive and the Lakers conceded two points. He then committed a turnover, giving the Rockets a 6-point lead with about 30 seconds left. However, the Rockets choked with victory in sight; fouls and consecutive turnovers allowed the Lakers to make free throws, and LeBron redeemed himself with the tying three-pointer. Both teams missed final attempts, entering overtime at 101-101.
Overtime saw the Rockets' morale plummet as Marcus Smart and Hachimura pulled the Lakers ahead. Smart finished with 21 points. Sengun led all scorers with 33 points for the Rockets, while Thompson and Smith added 26 and 24, respectively.
Despite missing two key stars, the Lakers secured a 3-0 lead in the series. The Rockets now face a historic 0-3 deficit, which no team in NBA history has ever overturned.