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LeBron's late three forces OT as Lakers win Game 3

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HOUSTON — The Los Angeles Lakers rallied from a six-point deficit in the final 30 seconds to force overtime and defeated the Houston Rockets 112-108 on Friday, with LeBron James scoring 29 points and hitting a tying three with about 13 seconds remaining in regulation. The victory gives the Lakers a 3-0 series lead and a chance to complete a sweep in Houston on Sunday; coach Ime Udoka criticized his team's late-game execution, Kevin Durant remained absent with a sprained left ankle, and the Rockets now face steep odds to avoid elimination.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

Rockets experienced recurring late-game and overtime problems during the regular season.
Kevin Durant missed Game 1 and was sidelined again before Game 3 with a sprained left ankle.
In Game 3 on Friday, the Lakers overcame a six-point deficit in the final 30 seconds to force overtime.
The Lakers won 112-108 in overtime, with LeBron James scoring 29 points and Marcus Smart making key plays.
Postgame, coach Ime Udoka publicly criticized Houston's execution; Lakers moved to a 3-0 series lead and can close the series Sunday.

Why This Matters to You

If you're a Lakers fan, this is a thrilling moment. LeBron's clutch play and the team's resilience are signs of a strong playoff run. If you're a Rockets supporter, it's a tough pill to swallow. Durant's absence is felt, and the team's late-game struggles continue.

The Bottom Line

The Lakers are one game away from a sweep, and the Rockets are on the brink of elimination. Watch Game 4 on Sunday to see if the Lakers can seal the deal, or if the Rockets can stage a comeback. Worth forwarding if you know a basketball fan who missed the game.