Going into Game 4 against the Los Angeles Lakers, the Houston Rockets are in some trouble.
Even beyond the fact that the Rockets have questions regarding the status of their superstar forward, Kevin Durant, looking at the other side, the Lakers have a seasoned superstar with a long history of successful close-out games in LeBron James.
The 41-year-old remains a face of the Lakers’ franchise and has been steering the ship for the Luka-less Lakers throughout the playoffs. Therefore, James’ close-out history matters in this case–and it’s not great news for the Rockets.
Houston Has A LeBron Problem
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 18: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after making a three point shot during the second half of Game One of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena on April 18, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
via StatMuse on X: LeBron in closeout games:
â 28.3 PPG
â 9.2 RPG
â 7.0 APG
â 1.6 SPG
â 41-13 record
Lakers are +160 underdogs tonight on
@Novig
LeBron James has won 75.9% of the games his team has had a chance to finish the series with.
Throughout the first three games of the first-round series, the Rockets have only had control in one of them.
A desperate Game 3 at home had the Rockets looking like they were going to seal it with a win. Then, an immature collapse occurred in the final minute of the game. The Lakers forced overtime and didn’t look back.
âHorrendous mistakes. I donât know if you want to say youth or scared of the moment or whatever the case,â Udoka said.
GettySAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – MAY 02: Head coach Ime Udoka of the Houston Rockets reacts against the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter in Game Six of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Chase Center on May 02, 2025 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
âYou have a six-point lead with 20 or 30 seconds to go. You just have to get a rebound and just hold the ball and get fouled, or itâs basically a one-on-four, throw it away. To combat or make it worse, foul on Marcus Smart to give him free throws. Next play, backcourt, you got it. Double is coming, and you try to split it instead of throwing it to [Alperen Sengun] wide open. Another turnover. Then, in the final play, James makes a tough shot. The final play, we donât run the last play that was drawn up.â
The Lakers defeated the Rockets 112-108. The two teams are going head-to-head on Sunday night to compete for Game 4.
Los Angeles remains without Luka Doncic, who has been ruled out already. The status of the starting sharpshooter, Austin Reaves, is up in the air.
Meanwhile, Houston is waiting on the word for Kevin Durant. Getting Durant back would be a major boost for a desperate Rockets team, but it doesn’t guarantee they’ll be able to keep the series alive.
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