Houston, we have a problem.
Everybody thought this would be a close series between two NBA Western Conference powerhouses, but LeBron James seems to have other plans—securing a 3-0 lead in the Los Angeles Lakers’ first-round matchup against the Houston Rockets, even without his two best teammates.
LeBron forced overtime in Game 3 at Toyota Center with a booming trey, then finished the job in a 112-108 win.
Kevin Durant was ruled out of Game 3 due to a left ankle sprain, leaving the offensive load heavily on Turkish big man Alperen Sengun. Although Sengun gave it his all with a 33-point, 16-rebound double-double—and Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. chipped in 26 and 24 points, respectively—the Rockets still couldn’t hold onto the win that might have given them a chance to survive the series.
No Doncic, No Reaves, No Problem for the Lakers
Two key Lakers, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, remained sidelined in Game 3 due to injuries, yet Los Angeles still managed to take the game over a relatively healthier Houston lineup.
Even at 41 years old, LeBron James played 45 minutes and did everything on the floor—finishing with 29 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals. At a glance, the 23-year veteran looked like the best player on the court, leading his team in points, rebounds, and field goals made.
At his age, it’s remarkable how The King can still log more than 40 minutes, let alone carry his team in the playoffs. Nobody has done that—not Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, or any other all-time great.
LeBron wasn’t the only one to shine. Rui Hachimura contributed 22 points, while Marcus Smart delivered his best playoff performance in years with 21 points, 10 assists, 4 rebounds, 5 steals, and 2 blocks.
Overall, the Lakers played like a legitimate fourth seed and a championship contender. As for the Rockets, their disappointing season is now one game away from ending in an embarrassing first-round sweep.
Just Like the KD Era, the Rockets Are Finished
If there’s one word to describe the Rockets’ 2025–26 campaign, it’s underwhelming. Before the season began, they were touted as a team that could challenge the Oklahoma City Thunder for the title after acquiring 36-year-old Kevin Durant.
KD was already past his prime—still productive offensively, but inevitably becoming a liability. Although the Rockets had some good stretches, and Durant and Sengun looked like one of the league’s better duos, they finished only as the 5th seed in a tight Western Conference.
Now down 0-3 in the playoffs, history is against them. No team has ever come back from that deficit (159-0), which leaves them with virtually 0% chance of winning the next four games to advance. At this point, it’s safe to say they’re finished—and Durant’s time in Houston may be finished too, unless they somehow do the impossible.
