LeBron James Assigns Blame After Lakers' Game 4 Loss

Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

LeBron James Assigns Blame After Lakers' Game 4 Loss

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Apr 27, 2026 7:15 AM ET

LeBron James took full responsibility after the Los Angeles Lakers fell to the Houston Rockets, 115-96, on Sunday.

The loss came at Toyota Center, cutting the Lakers' series lead to 3-1. Houston avoided a sweep in the Western Conference first-round playoff series.

The Rockets pulled it off without superstar Kevin Durant, sidelined by a sprained left ankle and a bone bruise. Amen Thompson led Houston with 23 points on 10-of-16 shooting, seven assists and four rebounds. Alperen Sengun contributed 19 points and six rebounds.

James, who dominated the first three games, struggled to find his rhythm against the Rockets' defense. He owned the loss and zeroed in on the area of his game that let his team down.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets.William Liang-Imagn Images

The story of Game 4 was simple. The Lakers could not hold onto the basketball.

L.A. coughed up a staggering 23 turnovers on the night. Houston made them pay, tallying 17 steals and converting the miscues into 30 points off turnovers.

James finished with just 10 points, four rebounds and nine assists on 2-of-9 shooting. More concerning was his ball security. The 41-year-old was the biggest culprit, committing eight turnovers on his own. The absence of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves left James as the primary ball-handler.

After the game, James did not hesitate to take the blame.

"Too many pick-sixes. It started with me, obviously. Too many turnovers," said James.

The Rockets' defense made every possession a grind, forcing him into uncharacteristic decisions. James registered back-to-back playoff games with eight turnovers for the first time in his career.

It also did not help that Los Angeles shot just 5-of-22 from three. The Lakers had no margin for error.

With the series shifting back to Crypto.com Arena for Game 5, James has his priorities set. Cut down the turnovers and close out the Rockets on Wednesday.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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