LeBron James leads Lakers to 3-0 playoff series lead over Houston Rockets
Updated
Updated · The Wall Street Journal · Apr 26
LeBron James leads Lakers to 3-0 playoff series lead over Houston Rockets
6 articles · Updated · The Wall Street Journal · Apr 26
At age 41, James scored 29 points, 13 rebounds, and 6 assists in the Lakers’ 112-108 overtime Game 3 win.
With key teammates Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic sidelined by injuries, James has averaged 25.3 points and 8.7 assists per game, carrying Los Angeles to the brink of advancing.
James becomes the oldest NBA player to score 25 or more points in a playoff game, surpassing his own recent record, and even assisted his 21-year-old son Bronny during the series.
What does the first father-son playoff assist reveal about the future of the James family dynasty?
Can a 41-year-old LeBron carry the Lakers to a title before his star teammates return?
Was the Lakers' Game 3 comeback sparked by LeBron's clutch shot or Marcus Smart's defense?
Beyond LeBron, what is coach JJ Redick’s secret to winning with a depleted roster?
With Austin Reaves possibly returning, how will his role change in this new LeBron-centric offense?
How did the Houston Rockets' pre-series strategy to stop LeBron James fail so spectacularly?
Historic Comeback: Lakers Rally from 6-Point Deficit with 30 Seconds Left to Dominate Rockets
Overview
On April 25, 2026, the Los Angeles Lakers staged an incredible comeback in Game 3 against the Houston Rockets, overcoming a 101-95 deficit with just 30 seconds left to win 112-108 in overtime. Key moments included a crucial turnover by Jabari Smith, followed by Marcus Smart’s clutch free throws and LeBron James’ game-tying three-pointer after stripping Reed Sheppard. Despite missing stars Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, the Lakers thrived through LeBron’s leadership and strong performances from role players like Smart, Rui Hachimura, and Luke Kennard. Meanwhile, the Rockets struggled with injuries to Kevin Durant and costly late-game mistakes, leaving them facing a near-impossible 0-3 series hole.