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Top Scorers Comparison
Comparison of leading scorers from the Lakers-Rockets matchup
Primary Sources
Lakers rally late to beat Rockets in OT, take 3-0 series lead
Apr 24, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball as Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) defends during the first quarter during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. (Troy Taormina-Imagn Images)HOUSTON — The Los Angeles Lakers were on the verge of letting Game 3 slip away late Friday night.Instead, they delivered their biggest comeback of the postseason.Trailing by six with under 30 seconds remaining in regulation, the Lakers closed the fourth quarter on a late surge before pulling away in overtime for a 112-108 win over the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series.AdvertisementWith the win, L.A. takes a 3-0 series lead and moves one victory away from advancing and a sweep.The Lakers had control for much of the night, leading by 11 at halftime after a strong offensive first half, but Houston responded after the break and eventually grabbed the momentum late in the fourth quarter.The Rockets looked poised to secure the win after building a 101-95 lead in the final seconds, but the Lakers responded under pressure behind their season vets.Marcus Smart knocked down three free throws after drawing a foul on a 3-point attempt, cutting the deficit to three. On Houston’s next possession, the Rockets turned the ball over, giving LeBron James a chance to tie it.AdvertisementJames delivered.With 13 seconds left, LeBron knocked down a clutch 3-pointer to even the score at 101-101 and send the game to overtime, swinging the momentum completely in L.A.’s favor.That momentum carried into the extra period.The Lakers opened overtime with more energy defensively and executed on the offensive end, outscoring Houston 11-7 in overtime to complete the comeback.James led the way with 29 points, 13 rebounds and six assists, making several key plays late to help L.A. steal the win on the road.Marcus Smart added 21 points, including the clutch free throws late in regulation, while Rui Hachimura finished with 22 points after helping the Lakers build an early lead.AdvertisementSmart also had 10 assists, four rebounds and five steals, which is the second straight game he’s had five total steals.L.A. came out aggressively offensively, scoring 39 points in the first quarter and creating good looks early. Hachimura set the tone with 16 first-quarter points, helping the Lakers establish rhythm offensively.But Houston gradually worked its way back behind Alperen Sengun, who fini...
Lakers beat Rockets 112-108 in Game 3 in Houston - New York Post
HOUSTON — Lakers coach JJ Redick had a clear message before his team’s Game 3 first round playoff series matchup against the Rockets on Friday night. “The desperate team normally wins in the playoffs,” Redick said, “the more desperate team.” Despite missing two of their best players in Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves for the entire series, the Lakers have been the better team in the matchup. And on Friday night, they were also the more desperate team. After trailing by six points fewer than 30 seconds left in the fourth quarter, the Lakers pulled off a miraculous comeback against the Kevin Durant-less Rockets, beating the Rockets 112-108 in overtime on Friday night at Toyota Center to take a three-game lead in the series. “There’s a lot of things that happened that were not perfect, including some stuff I did,” Redick said postgame. “But you just kind of get onto the next play. And that, to me, is a hallmark of poise; that’s a hallmark of composure. It’s tough to win on the road in the playoffs. Even without KD, they’re a great basketball team and that was a huge test for us, especially in that moment where we’re down six.” Despite trailing by six points with 30 seconds left in the fourth quarter, the Lakers pulled off a miraculous comeback against the Kevin Durant-less Rockets AP But the Rockets scratched and clawed their way to victory after falling behind by double digits in the first half. AP LeBron James led the Lakers with 29 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals. Marcus Smart had 21 points, 10 assists, 5 steals and 2 blocked shots. Rui Hachimura scored 22 points, including 16 in the first quarter, while Luke Kennard added 14 points, 6 assists and 6 rebounds. Jaxson Hayes had 12 points and 4 rebounds off the bench. The Rockets scratched and clawed their way back into the game after falling behind by 15 in the first half, trailing by 11 at halftime and five at the end of the third quarter. Alperen Sengun (33 points, 16 rebounds, 6 assists), Amen Thompson (26 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists) and Jabari Smith Jr. (24 points, 6 rebounds) all had their best games of the series so far. But the Lakers prevailed. The Lakers are up 3-0 in the best-of-seven series against the Rockets, all guaranteeing that they’ll advance to the second round of the playoffs. AP What it means The Lakers are up 3-0 in the best-of-seven series against the Rockets, all guaranteeing that they’ll advance to the second round of the playoffs. No team in NBA history...
Lakers take commanding 3-0 lead over Rockets in playoff series
Along with LeBron James collecting 29 points, 13 rebounds and six assists and Rui Hachimura scoring 22 points, the Lakers have a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Lakers storm back late, win in OT for 3-0 series lead vs. Rockets
LeBron James scored 29 points, including a tying 3-pointer with 13 seconds left in regulation, and the Lakers took advantage of a Rockets team missing Kevin Durant for a 112-108 win Friday night ...
