LeBron Hits Game-Tying 3, Lakers Top Rockets in OT

Sport

By lines

April 25, 2026

Generated Image April 17, 2026 8 39am 2 2

LeBron James buried a game-tying three-pointer with 25.4 seconds left in regulation Saturday. The Los Angeles Lakers overcame a six-point fourth-quarter deficit. The Lakers beat the Houston Rockets 112-108 to take a 3-0 first-round playoff series lead.

Smart Seals OT as LeBron James and Bronny James Make NBA History

Marcus Smart scored 8 of the Lakers’ 11 overtime points. Smart hit a corner three-pointer to open overtime. Smart collected an offensive rebound that produced two free throws, turning a one-possession game into a two-possession lead. LeBron James finished with 29 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals and 1 block in 45 minutes.

LeBron James and Bronny James became the first father-son pair to connect on a basket-and-assist in NBA history. LeBron James lofted an alley-oop to Bronny James for a reverse layup at the 7:11 mark of the second quarter. The play gave Los Angeles a 52-40 lead. LeBron James is 41 years old.

Alperen Sengun paced the Rockets with 33 points and 16 rebounds. Amen Thompson added 26 points and 11 rebounds for Houston. Reed Sheppard scored 17 points and 7 assists for Houston. Sheppard’s three-pointer briefly gave the Rockets their first lead since the opening quarter. The Rockets squandered a six-point advantage in the final 25.4 seconds of regulation.

Houston hosts Los Angeles in Game 4 on Monday. The Rockets need four consecutive wins to avoid elimination. Kevin Durant remains out with a sprained left ankle.