The Houston Rockets are down 2-0 in their first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers, and heading into Game 3, it’s a must-win matchup for a team that went into the season with high playoff hopes.
There have been a few factors at play for the Rockets for why they are down 2-0 to the Lakers, yet still, they came into the series as favorites, with their opponent playing without stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Now, facing a near-must-win Game 3, the responsibility for eking out a victory falls heavily on the shoulders of All-Star Alperen Sengun for Houston, as with a loss and eventual series defeat, he could be on his way out in place of another superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to the latest report.
Rockets Could Make Sengun For Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade With Series Loss To Lakers
GettyMILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – NOVEMBER 18: Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets is defended by Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during a game at Fiserv Forum on November 18, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
According to Will Guillory of The Athletic, Sengun faces a massive test ahead in Game 3, as it relates both to the series against the Lakers, as well as his future in Houston going forward.
As he wrote, if the Rockets lose the series against a Los Angeles team playing without their two leading scorers, Sengun could be on his way out as Houston looks to buy in even more to Kevin Durant‘s timeline and competing for a title over the next few years.
The Rockets already committed to a title push by trading for Durant, but with Sengun as their top asset, he could be moved for another superstar, whether it be Antetokounmpo, Kawhi Leonard, or Donovan Mitchell, in hopes of the team creating a roster that is built to win a title in either 2027 or 2028.
“There will be no shortage of fans and media who connect the dots and say Şengün could follow in (Jalen) Green’s steps as a young piece that gets sent away because he wasn’t ready to compete for a championship now,” Guillory wrote. “Giannis Antetokounmpo will be a name many connect to Houston as a potential superstar who could be acquired in a Şengün trade. Kawhi Leonard or Donovan Mitchell could also be possibilities.”
Through the first two games of the series, Sengun is averaging a solid 19.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists, but his 38.5% shooting from the floor is the bigger issue. Without Fred VanVleet, Steven Adams, and a not 100% healthy Durant, Sengun holds much of the responsibility for the Rockets on offense, and the pressure is building heading into Game 3.
“Once Game 3 tips off on Friday, everything Şengün does will carry an extra bit of weight because of the way he performed in the two games in L.A. Any given moment, he could run into a play that changes the trajectory of his career, his team and potentially the entire league,” Guillory added. “No hyperbole needed. It’s make-or-break time for Şengün.”
Houston Faces Must-Win Game 3 Vs Lakers
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 16: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers defends Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets during the game at Toyota Center on March 16, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
LeBron James has never lost a playoff series when up 2-0, so while the Rockets’ chances of advancing past the first round would already require a near-miracle, losing game 3 would all but confirm their season ending in this series.
Houston was without Durant for Game 1, but overall, as has been the case all season, the offense hasn’t been what was promised.
“The Rockets, offensively, are an absolute disaster,” Brian Windhorst of ESPN said after Houston scored just 94 points in their Game 2 loss.
Durant had nine turnovers in a less-than-inspiring performance, but overall, the Rockets were not predicted to go down 0-2 against the Lakers, regardless of how well the star was projected to play.
With Reaves now being upgraded to questionable, and Doncic slowly working back from his hamstring injury, this is likely the least potent Los Angeles team Houston will see. Still, so far, they haven’t been able to stop a James, Luke Kennard, Marcus Smart, and Deandre Ayton-led offense.
Game 3 is a must-win for the Rockets just to have a chance in this series, but with a loss and a first-round exit, major changes could come. Whether it means trading Sengun for a player like Antetokounmpo, that remains to be seen. But after what might be one of the most disappointing first-round series defeats, it certainly can’t be ruled out, especially after seeing how much the Rockets gave up to bring in Durant last summer.
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