dailyloe.com – The Los Angeles Lakers faced a critical moment in Game 3 against the Houston Rockets on April 25, 2026. Down by six points with 30 seconds left, the Lakers appeared to be on the verge of losing the series lead. However, a remarkable comeback led to a 112-108 victory, giving the Lakers a 3-0 series advantage.
Postgame, Rui Hachimura expressed his initial thoughts about the game’s outcome. He stated, “not going to lie if it was the regular season we probably would’ve let it go.” Hachimura’s honesty reflected the dire situation the team faced during the final seconds.
Despite the odds, the Lakers managed to pull off the win, showcasing the unpredictable nature of playoff basketball. Hachimura contributed significantly with 22 points, part of a balanced effort where six Lakers scored in double figures.
The game was not played at full strength, with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves absent for the Lakers and Kevin Durant missing for the Rockets. LeBron James stepped up, finishing with 29 points, 13 rebounds, six assists, three steals, and a block in over 40 minutes of play.
Marcus Smart was pivotal in the closing moments, scoring 21 points and providing 10 assists. His performance helped control the game during critical stretches, allowing the Lakers to secure the win despite missing key players.
Luke Kennard also played an important role, contributing 14 points and six assists. The Lakers’ ability to rally together in a challenging situation exemplified their resilience as they moved closer to advancing in the postseason.
