Lakers Force OT, Take 3-0 Series Lead on LeBron's Clutch Three

LOS ANGELES — LeBron James drained a tying 3-pointer with 13 seconds remaining in regulation Friday night, propelling the Los Angeles Lakers to a 112-108 overtime victory over the Houston Rockets and a commanding 3-0 lead in their first-round playoff series. James finished with 29 points as the Lakers capitalized on the absence of Houston's Kevin Durant to move within one win of a sweep.

Late Heroics Force Extra Period

With the Lakers trailing late in the fourth quarter, James took control. His clutch three-pointer knotted the score and sent the game to overtime, where Los Angeles outscored Houston to secure the win. The 39-year-old forward's performance underscored his continued ability to deliver in high-pressure playoff moments.

The Rockets played without Durant, whose absence proved costly as Houston struggled to close out a game it had controlled for stretches. Los Angeles exploited the personnel gap, particularly in the extra frame when fatigue and depth became factors.

Series on the Brink

The Lakers now hold a 3-0 advantage in the best-of-seven series, a deficit from which no NBA team has ever recovered in playoff history. Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday in Los Angeles, where the Lakers will attempt to complete the sweep and advance to the second round.

Houston faces a daunting task: win four consecutive games against a Lakers squad that has found its rhythm. The Rockets will need Durant back and near-perfect execution to extend the series beyond the weekend.

What Comes Next

If the Lakers close out the series Sunday, they will await the winner of the Phoenix Suns–Minnesota Timberwolves matchup in the Western Conference semifinals. For Houston, the focus shifts to survival and the hope that Durant can return to give the Rockets a fighting chance in Game 4.

What we know: LeBron James scored 29 points, including a game-tying three with 13 seconds left, as the Lakers won 112-108 in overtime to take a 3-0 series lead. Kevin Durant did not play for Houston. What's unclear: Durant's status for Game 4 and whether the Rockets can mount a historic comeback from an 0-3 deficit.