NBA Announces Mistake Involving LeBron James in Lakers Win

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Apr 25, 2026 9:40 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers took down the Houston Rockets in Game 3 of their NBA playoff series on Friday night. LeBron James stepped up big time with 29 points, 13 rebounds, six assists, three steals and one block to lead the Purple and Gold to a 112-108 overtime victory.

Most importantly, James scored a clutch 3-pointer with 13.1 seconds left to tie the game at 101-101 and force overtime.

Alperen Sengun had a game-high 33 points and 16 rebounds for Houston, but his efforts were not enough to give the Rockets a much-needed victory. It didn't help Houston that Kevin Durant was sidelined once again due to an ankle injury.

While it was a thrilling win for the Lakers, the team also benefited from a couple of officiating mistakes in the last two minutes of the fourth quarter and overtime.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James looks on during a game.Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

One incorrect non-call even involved James in overtime. According to the NBA's Last Two Minute Report, the 41-year-old should have been called for an out-of-bounds violation with 1:29 left in OT. It was after he tried to save the ball from going out of bounds, as he was falling to the sideline after he grabbed the rebound.

James, nonetheless, had already stepped out of bounds. The referees missed the call, although the Rockets were still able to maintain possession anyway.

"James (LAL) steps out of bounds while he is in possession of the ball," the L2M Report noted.

The other missed call from the referees occurred in the fourth quarter with 25.5 seconds left. After Marcus Smart shot his second free throw, he quickly stepped over the free throw line, which should have warranted a lane violation.

Smart made the free throw to cut the Rockets' lead to three, 101-98. However, had the violation been called, his shot would have been waved off. That would have also prevented James from tying the game with his triple.

It's certainly a lucky break for James and the Lakers. Now, they are just one win away from sweeping the Rockets.

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

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