Since Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves remain on the sidelines, LeBron James has taken the reins of the Los Angeles Lakers in Round 1 of the playoffs. While the team leads the series 3-0, the 41-year-old felt exhausted after playing 45 minutes in Game 3, which went into overtime.
The Lakers have managed a commanding lead over the Houston Rockets and pushed them into a hole from where no NBA team has yet come out to win the series. While it’s a statement to everyone who doubted the team’s potential without their superstar guards, King James kept it real when he was asked about playing a long game. He said:
“Hell no, I don’t feel good.”
LBJ was instrumental in Game 3, as he stuffed the stat sheet with 29 points, 13 rebounds, six assists, three steals, and one block. The only area where he faltered a little was turnovers (8). Everything aside, the 4-time NBA champion came out big in the clutch and drained a 3-pointer with 13 seconds left in the last period.
James helped the Lakers bridge a six-point deficit in the last minute. The Lakers were only the second team to pull that off in the history of the NBA playoffs.
LeBron James creates history with son Bronny James
The LA Lakers were the best clutch team in the 2025-26 season, with a record of 22-8 in games within five points in the final five minutes. And the team showed why they are the best in that category. Moreover, what caught everybody’s attention was King James alley-oop pass to his son, Bronny James.
The father-son duo created history by being the only pair to connect on a lob with each other. In the middle of the second quarter, the two created a historic play.
The Lakers have more or less wrapped up the season series with a 3-0 lead. The Rockets will look to protect the sweep in Game 4, and the management will look for roster changes in the offseason. Kevin Durant and Co. might have to wait for another season to contend for the title once again.
READ MORE: 3 Possible Destinations for Alperen Sengun as Rockets Chase Disgruntled Superstars
Nick Wright Calls Out Nepotism Talks on Bronny James After +4 Performance vs Rockets in Game 3
Michael Wilbon Doesn’t Think Thunder Need Jalen Williams For Lakers Amid Hamstring Injury Woes
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in NBA, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
