LeBron James committed eight turnovers as the Lakers dropped Game 4, unable to clinch the series against the Rockets.
The Los Angeles Lakers were heading towards a sweep of the Houston Rockets with a 3-0 series lead, but that all changed in a 115-96 blowout loss in which star LeBron James committed nearly as many turnovers as he did in point total. He had a mere 10 points to go along with eight turnovers against the Rockets. Those turnovers, a disastrous third quarter, and an ejection midway through handed Houston their first series win to make it 3-1 ahead of Wednesday’s Game 5. James took responsibility for the loss, believing that it starts and ends with his performance.
James went just 2-of-9 from the field and didn’t reach double digits until he hit a layup in the fourth quarter, which meant little to nothing as it cut the deficit to 24. The third quarter was pivotal for both LA and James. Four of his eight turnovers came in the third quarter alone. James wasn’t the only one with a down night; guard Marcus Smart hit nine points and Luke Kennard notched just seven after both starting strong in the series. Then there was the foul on Deandre Ayton, who was assessed a flagrant foul 2 after video review showed him strike Alperen Sengun on the side of the head, though neither squad – including Sengun himself – appeared to agree with the ejection. But with Ayton out, it led to a disastrous third quarter in which the Rockets outscored LA 34-18, something they never came back from. It has largely put the series on James’ shoulders – he just couldn’t rise to the challenge Sunday.
Here is the full story from Lakers Roundtable writer Will Eudy on why that bad night doesn’t encapsulate how meaningful James has been this series.
Los Angeles still leads 3-1, despite key absences of Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic. It sets up a critical next game at home in which the Lakers could clinch, remaining one game from advancing.