LeBron James forces overtime as Lakers take 3-0 series lead over Rockets

Key facts

• LeBron James made a three-pointer with 13 seconds left to force overtime.
• James finished with 29 points and 13 rebounds, a team-high.
• Marcus Smart scored 21 points, including 8 in overtime, and added 10 assists.
• Lakers won 112-108 in overtime to take a 3-0 series lead.
• Kevin Durant missed the game for Houston due to an ankle sprain.
• Game 4 is Sunday in Houston; a Lakers win would complete a sweep.
• Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were sidelined for Los Angeles with injuries.

Lakers edge Rockets in overtime to seize commanding series lead

LeBron James drained a three-pointer with 13 seconds remaining in regulation, tying the score and forcing overtime, before the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets 112-108 on Friday night. The victory gives the Lakers a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven first-round playoff series, putting them one win away from advancing to the Western Conference semifinals. James, at 41 years old, delivered a vintage performance, recording a team-high 29 points and 13 rebounds. He nearly won the game at the regulation buzzer, but his three-point attempt rimmed out. In overtime, Marcus Smart took over, scoring eight of his 21 points and dishing out a team-high 10 assists to seal the win. "With two of our best players down, we've got to play desperate," Smart said. "We've got to be the most desperate team. That's how we've been playing, and that's how we're winning, right? The chemistry has been good, and you're starting to see guys' confidence go up because of that."

Injuries force both teams to adjust rotations

The Lakers played without injured starters Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, thrusting James and Smart into larger offensive roles. Houston, meanwhile, was again without leading scorer Kevin Durant, who sat out with an ankle sprain for the second time in the series. The Rockets also have two players sidelined for the season: Steven Adams (ankle) and Fred VanVleet (ACL). Despite the absences, Houston pushed the Lakers to overtime, but could not overcome James's clutch shot and Smart's overtime surge. The Rockets now face elimination in Game 4 on Sunday, which they will host.

Statistical breakdown: Lakers' offense outpaces Rockets' defense

Entering Game 6, the Lakers averaged 116.3 points per game this season, 6.3 more than the 110.0 points the Rockets typically allow. Houston's offense averaged 115.2 points per game, just 0.6 more than the 114.6 the Lakers surrender. Those margins proved decisive as Los Angeles scored 112 points in a tightly contested game. James's double-double and Smart's 21 points and 10 assists highlighted the Lakers' balanced attack. For Houston, the absence of Durant's scoring punch was keenly felt; the team struggled to generate consistent offense in the half-court.

Other playoff results: Spurs, Celtics also win

Elsewhere in the NBA playoffs, the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 120-108 on the road to take a 2-1 series lead. Rookie Stephon Castle scored 33 points, while fellow rookie Dylan Harper posted career highs of 27 points and 10 rebounds. Spurs star Victor Wembanyama remained sidelined in concussion protocol after a head injury in Game 2. In the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics beat the Philadelphia 76ers 108-100 to take a 2-1 series lead. Jayson Tatum scored 11 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter, and Jaylen Brown also contributed 25 points for Boston.

What's at stake in Game 4

The Lakers can close out the series with a win in Houston on Sunday. A victory would give them a sweep and a spot in the Western Conference semifinals. For the Rockets, it is a must-win game to extend the series and avoid elimination. Betting markets have installed Houston as a 3.5-point favorite for Game 4, with the moneyline favoring the Rockets at -190. The Lakers are listed as +155 underdogs. Tip-off time and broadcast details have not yet been announced.

The bottom line

• LeBron James's game-tying three-pointer with 13 seconds left forced overtime and kept the Lakers undefeated in the series.
• Marcus Smart's 21 points and 10 assists, including 8 points in overtime, were critical to the Lakers' 112-108 win.
• The Lakers hold a 3-0 series lead, one win from a sweep and advancement to the Western Conference semifinals.
• Houston's Kevin Durant missed the game with an ankle sprain, compounding the Rockets' injury woes.
• Game 4 is Sunday in Houston; the Rockets must win to avoid elimination.
• Other playoff results: Spurs lead Trail Blazers 2-1, Celtics lead 76ers 2-1.