LeBron James and Lakers surge late, go up 3-0 vs Rockets in 2026

LeBron James hit a clutch three with 13 seconds left to force overtime as the Lakers took a commanding 3-0 series lead over the Rockets.

Late heroics seal series edge LeBron James poured in 29 points, including a game-tying three-pointer with 13 seconds left in regulation, while Marcus Smart contributed eight points in overtime as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets 112-108 on Friday night. The victory gave the Lakers a commanding 3-0 lead in the Western Conference first-round series, with a potential sweep looming in Game 4 on Sunday. Houston was missing Kevin Durant for the second straight game, this time due to a sprained ankle after he sat out Game 1 with a knee injury. The Rockets rallied from a six-point deficit in the final 30 seconds but couldn’t overcome the late heroics from Los Angeles. ## Overtime dominance secures win The Lakers started overtime with a 6-2 run, highlighted by a three-pointer from Smart to take a 107-103 lead. Alperen Sengun responded with a basket for Houston, but Smart followed up with two free throws to extend the advantage to 109-105 with 52 seconds remaining. Smart then added two more free throws with 35.5 seconds left to push the score to 111-105. Reed Sheppard hit a three to bring Houston within three, but Smart converted one of two free throws to finalize the 112-108 win. Smart finished with 21 points and 10 assists, while Rui Hachimura contributed 22 points for the Lakers. ## Houston’s resilience falls short Even without Durant, the Rockets nearly stole the game after James committed consecutive turnovers that Houston turned into a 101-95 lead. Sengun led Houston with 33 points and 16 rebounds, while Amen Thompson added 26 points and 11 rebounds. The Lakers had built as large as a 15-point lead early but found themselves down six in the fourth quarter before Smart was fouled on a three-point attempt with 25.4 seconds left. Smart made all three free throws to cut Houston’s lead to three, setting the stage for James’ late heroics. ## Critical plays decide the game With the Lakers trailing by six in the fourth, Smart drew a foul on a three-point attempt after a Houston turnover and sank all three free throws to get Los Angeles within three. James then stole the ball from Sheppard and hit a three to tie the game at 101-all with 13.1 seconds remaining. Houston had a chance to take the lead afterward, but Sengun’s seven-foot shot missed. James secured the rebound and called a timeout, then had a chance to win at the buzzer but his three-pointer rimmed out, sending the game to overtime. Sheppard’s three in overtime brought Houston within three before Smart’s free throws sealed the victory. ## Series outlook shifts dramatically The Lakers’ win sets up a potential series sweep in Houston on Sunday night, a scenario that would eliminate the Rockets from the playoffs. Los Angeles’ ability to overcome late deficits and rely on clutch performances from James and Smart highlighted their depth and experience. Houston, despite strong individual efforts from Sengun and Thompson, struggled to maintain leads and capitalize on key moments. The absence of Durant twice in the series proved critical, leaving the Rockets without their leading scorer in crucial stretches. The Lakers now stand one win away from advancing to the next round.