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Lakers missed the chance to execute a clean sweep as Rockets win 115-96 in Game 4; LeBron struggled while Ayton got ejected as the series now stands at 3-1.
LeBron went cold from the field and proved to be far too clumsy with 8 turnovers in Game 4 (AFP)
The Los Angeles Lakers were due for an off night. And it arrived… tonight.
With a chance to sweep the series, the Lakers fell apart in Game 4, losing 115-96 to the Houston Rockets, who avoided elimination and kept the series alive.
Houston, down 0-3 coming in, delivered a complete performance despite missing Kevin Durant for a third straight game. Amen Thompson led the way with 23 points, while Tari Eason added 20.
The scoring didn’t stop there. The most impressive part of the home team’s win was the fact that every Rockets starter had at least 16 points.
Alperen Sengun contributed 19, Reed Sheppard had 17, and Jabari Smith Jr. chipped in with 16 in a well-rounded effort.
LeBron, Lakers Go Cold
For the Lakers, it was a night to forget — especially for LeBron James.
After strong outings in the first three games, the 41-year-old struggled badly, finishing with just 10 points on 2-of-9 shooting. He added nine assists but also committed eight turnovers before sitting out the closing minutes.
Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard combined to go 0-for-5 from three-point range, highlighting a wider shooting collapse. In total, the Lakers made just five three-pointers.
Ayton Ejected, Momentum Lost
DeAndre Ayton was one of the few bright spots, posting 19 points and 10 rebounds. But his night ended early after being ejected in the third quarter when Ayton was handed a Flagrant 2 foul for contact to Sengun’s head, deemed “unnecessary and excessive” by officials, leaving the Lakers without their interior presence at a crucial stage.
Instead of closing things out, the Lakers now head back home for Game 5 with the series at 3-1.
(with AP inputs)
April 27, 2026, 10:48 IST
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