Lakers Push Rockets to Brink With OT Win Behind LeBron's Heroics

LOS ANGELES — LeBron James delivered in crunch time Friday night, drilling a game-tying three-pointer with 13 seconds remaining in regulation before the Los Angeles Lakers pulled away in overtime for a 112-108 victory over the Houston Rockets, seizing a commanding 3-0 lead in their first-round playoff series.

James finished with 29 points as the Lakers capitalized on the absence of Rockets star Kevin Durant to move within one win of advancing to the second round. No NBA team has ever rallied from a 3-0 deficit in a best-of-seven series.

James's Late-Game Mastery

With the Lakers trailing late in the fourth quarter, James took over. His three-pointer from the wing with time winding down knotted the score and sent the game to an extra period, where Los Angeles outscored Houston to secure the win. The 40-year-old forward continues to demonstrate his ability to elevate his game when elimination looms for opponents.

The Lakers' veteran leadership proved decisive in the closing minutes, steadying a team that had struggled to maintain consistency throughout regulation.

Durant's Absence Looms Large

Houston entered the contest without Kevin Durant, whose injury has left the Rockets scrambling for offensive firepower against a Lakers defense that tightened in critical moments. The Rockets managed to stay competitive through three quarters but lacked the star power to match James down the stretch.

Without Durant's scoring punch and playmaking, Houston's offense stalled repeatedly in overtime, allowing the Lakers to control tempo and dictate matchups.

Series on the Brink

The Lakers now hold a 3-0 stranglehold on the series, positioning themselves to close out the Rockets in Game 4. Los Angeles has dominated key stretches in all three contests, leveraging experience and defensive intensity to neutralize Houston's younger roster.

For the Rockets, the path forward requires not only Durant's return but a historic comeback that has never been accomplished in NBA playoff history.

What we know: LeBron James scored 29 points, including a clutch three-pointer with 13 seconds left in regulation, leading the Lakers to a 112-108 overtime win and a 3-0 series lead. Kevin Durant's absence weakened the Rockets' offense in critical moments. What's unclear: Whether Durant will return for Game 4 and if Houston can mount any resistance to avoid a sweep.