Lakers Rally Late to Beat Rockets in Overtime, Take 3–0 Playoff Series Lead
LeBron James and Marcus Smart power dramatic final-minute comeback as Los Angeles edges Houston despite missing Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves
The Los Angeles Lakers delivered a dramatic comeback Friday night in Houston, erasing a late deficit to defeat the Houston Rockets 112–108 in overtime and take a commanding 3–0 lead in their first-round playoff series.
With less than 30 seconds remaining in regulation, the Lakers trailed by six and appeared headed for a disappointing loss after surrendering a double-digit advantage in the second half. Instead, their most experienced players stepped up at the perfect moment.“It’s never over until the clock hits zero,” said LeBron James.
The comeback began when Marcus Smart intercepted a pass from Houston’s Jabari Smith Jr. with under 30 seconds to play. Smart immediately attempted a three-pointer, drew contact from Jae’Sean Tate, and calmly knocked down all three free throws to cut the deficit in half.
Moments later, James created another turning point. After trapping rookie guard Reed Sheppard in the backcourt, the ball was poked loose to Rui Hachimura. James then repositioned beyond the arc and buried a catch-and-shoot three with just over 13 seconds remaining, tying the game.James, playing 45 minutes at age 41, finished with 29 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists despite committing eight turnovers.
In overtime, the Lakers maintained control, outscoring Houston 11–7. Smart led the charge with eight points in the extra period, including two key free throws after slipping behind Tari Eason for an offensive rebound opportunity. Hachimura added the rest of the team’s points in overtime and made a crucial putback during a second-chance sequence.Lakers coach JJ Redick praised the effort on the glass, noting that both Smart and Hachimura delivered pivotal plays to secure extra possessions.
The comeback placed Los Angeles in rare company—only the second team in the past 30 postseasons to overcome a deficit of six or more points in the final 30 seconds and still win.Even more impressive, the Lakers have taken full control of the series without two of their top scorers, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, both sidelined with injuries. Their absence has forced the team to adapt quickly, relying on collective effort and urgency.
“We don’t have room to relax or take possessions off,” James said. “Everyone has to contribute in every moment.”That shift has elevated players like Luke Kennard, who has taken on a larger role as both a shooter and playmaker since joining the team midseason.
The Lakers are now one win away from advancing and are eager to avoid giving Houston any momentum heading into Game 4—especially with Kevin Durant potentially returning from injury.
For the Rockets, the loss was a painful collapse. After building a late six-point lead, a series of costly mistakes unraveled their chances. Head coach Ime Udoka criticized his team’s execution, pointing to turnovers and poor decision-making in the closing moments.
Sheppard acknowledged his role in the breakdown, admitting he should have made a simpler pass rather than attempting to split defenders on the crucial late possession.
Despite a dominant performance from Alperen Sengun—who recorded 33 points and 16 rebounds—the Rockets were unable to close out the game. Sengun missed a potential go-ahead shot in the final seconds of regulation, and James secured the rebound to set up a final possession that ultimately led to overtime.
Houston has struggled with late-game execution throughout the season, and those issues resurfaced at the worst possible time. Udoka emphasized that his team must learn quickly, saying their mistakes were unacceptable regardless of experience level.
Now facing elimination, the Rockets must regroup quickly ahead of Game 4. Durant’s availability remains uncertain, leaving their outlook unclear as they try to extend the series.
“We’ll be upset tonight,” Sengun said. “But we have to move forward. We’re not giving up.”
