NBA Playoffs 2026: LeBron James sinks the Rockets

The Los Angeles Lakers were on the brink of squandering a golden opportunity but ended up securing a victory that could define the series of the 2026 NBA Playoffs. Trailing by six points and with less than half a minute left in the last quarter, the Los Angeles team seemed doomed after blowing a double-digit lead gained after halftime against the Houston Rockets.

However, when the game entered its most critical phase, the most experienced players stepped up on the court. LeBron James and Marcus Smart turned the tide of the game in a matter of seconds.

"The game never ends until the clock hits zero," James summarized after the 112-108 victory in overtime.

The comeback started with a key play by Smart. The point guard stole a pass from Jabari Smith Jr. with 27.8 seconds left and, without hesitation, took a perimeter shot. On the same play, he was fouled by Jae'Sean Tate and made all three free throws, cutting the deficit in half.

"It was a smart play," explained Smart, who delivered a complete performance with 21 points, 10 assists, and five steals. "My experience has served me well. I've been in the league for 12 years. I've learned a few tricks."

That moment shifted the momentum of a game that seemed to be leaning decisively towards Houston.

LeBron forces overtime

Next, it was James's turn, showing once again why his impact remains crucial even at 41 years old. After a defensive play that ended with the ball in Rui Hachimura's hands, the veteran moved to the three-point line and scored the tying triple with 13.6 seconds left.

"Look, we've come this far, so I'm trying to see if I can make a difference," stated James, who played 45 minutes and finished with 29 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists. "Obviously, my presence on the court is crucial for our team."

The tie pushed the game into overtime, where the Lakers had already regained full confidence.

Dominance in the extra time

In the additional period, the Lakers imposed an 11-7 run that sealed the game. Smart again played a leading role by scoring eight points in overtime, including two crucial free throws after an offensive rebound play against Tari Eason.

Hachimura also played a significant part, tallying 22 points in total and contributing pivotal offensive plays, including a basket after grabbing an offensive rebound in an extended possession.

Coach JJ Redick highlighted precisely those plays: "While we emphasize a lot on offensive rebounds [from Houston], we also want to press, we want to secure extra possessions, and these two players made two of the most important plays of the night."

An uncommon comeback

The victory not only brings the Lakers closer to the next round but also enters recent historical records. The team became the second in the last 30 post-seasons to overcome a six or more point deficit in the final 30 seconds of regulation time to end up winning the game.

Now, with a 3-0 lead in the series, they are just one win away from advancing.

Surviving without their usual stars

All this comes in a challenging context, as the Angelinos have been without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves in recent weeks, both sidelined due to injury.

"In the final week of the season, the last thing one would want, or even imagine, is for two of their best players to get injured and not be ready for the post-season," explained James. "So it was a change for all of us, it's a challenge for everyone... and we are figuring it out as we go along."

In that process, Luke Kennard has gained prominence, arriving from the Atlanta Hawks as a shooting specialist and taking on creative roles, contributing with 14 points, six rebounds, and six assists in this game.