LeBron James lift Lakers to commanding series lead vs. Rockets

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball as Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) defends during the first quarter of Game 3 of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

LeBron James' big moments lifting Lakers to commanding series lead vs. Rockets

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Apr 25, 2026 1:44 AM ET

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A series many thought would go one way due to key injuries has gone the completely other direction. With their come-from-behind Game 3 win on Friday night, it's the Los Angeles Lakers who have a commanding 3-0 series lead over the Houston Rockets.

Just when it seemed as if the Rockets were going to get back in the series and win without Kevin Durant, the Lakers managed to tie the score and send the game into overtime, where they would win the extra session.

And with Durant on the bench, unable to help his team, LeBron James added another big moment to his playoff lore. James got open and hit a corner three to tie the game with just a tick over 13 seconds left in regulation.

He finished the game with a throwback performance, putting up 29 points in 45 minutes. James hit 10-of-22 shots from the field and four threes, including the game-saving dagger to the hearts of Rockets fans.

LEBRON JAMES TIES THE GAME AT 101

13.1 SECONDS TO GO ON PRIME. pic.twitter.com/V5LqcXlt7I
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026

But for James, his game-tying shot may not be the moment he holds closest to his heart from the game. James threw a pass to his son, Bronny, successfully creating the NBA's first father-son assist in playoff history off an alley-oop play.

"I was like 'Just go get it!'... that was a special moment," LeBron James said after the game.

"I was like 'Just go get it!'... that was a special moment."@KingJames on his alley-oop to Bronny James!

It's the FIRST father-son assist in postseason history! https://t.co/P078F11Qvb pic.twitter.com/TFRt2Eg5ve
— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2026

The Lakers outscored Houston 11-7 in overtime, winning the game 112-108. Los Angeles' win creates a stronghold on the first-round matchup with a 3-0 series lead.

Durant has been absent. He missed the series opener, returned to score 23 points in a loss in Game 2 and missed Game 3. James' co-stars, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, both dealing with late-season injuries, have yet to suit up in the series.

To help James on Friday, Rui Hachimura stepped up and scored 22 points in 44 minutes. He averaged just 11.5 points per game during the regular season. Luke Kennard, who led the way in Game 1 with 27 points and five three-pointers and then added 23 on Tuesday, contributed 14 off a 4-for-12 game from the field.

While it's still unlikely the Lakers would be able to embark on a deep postseason run without Doncic and Reaves, James and Los Angeles have been able to take advantage of no Durant to coast in one series.

Game 4 of the series will take place at Houston's Toyota Center and is set to tip off at 9:30 p.m. ET.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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