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Lakers Take OT Win, Lead Rockets 3-0 as Durant Out

4/25/2026

40 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Lakers won in overtime at the Toyota Center, giving them a 3-0 series lead over the Rockets.
Kevin Durant missed Game 3 with a left ankle sprain while Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves also stayed out.
Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart scored 71 points in the first two games, while Coach JJ Redick’s defense held Durant to three points and forced nine turnovers in Game 2.

History

Historical Context

After a 1999 sweep by the Spurs, the Lakers hired Phil Jackson, moved into the Staples Center and posted a league-best 67-15 record in 1999-2000, culminating in the franchise’s first championship since 1988. That turnaround sparked a three-peat beginning in 2000, and the same franchise now leads the 2024 Western Conference playoffs 3-0 over the Rockets.

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Story summary

Lakers won in overtime at the Toyota Center, giving them a 3-0 series lead over the Rockets.
Kevin Durant missed Game 3 with a left ankle sprain while Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves also stayed out.
Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart scored 71 points in the first two games, while Coach JJ Redick’s defense held Durant to three points and forced nine turnovers in Game 2.

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