James family connection plays role in Lakers' Game 3 victory
Apr 24, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) gives the ball to guard Bronny James (9) during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets during game three of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. HOUSTON -- The Los Angeles Lakers made a math-defying escape Friday night in Houston to manufacture a 3-0 first round series lead over the Rockets. Houston possessed the ball with under 30 seconds remaining while clinging onto a 6-point lead, but Lakers cashed in two late steals for six points, forcing overtime in their eventual 112-108 road triumph.
The defining moment of the playoff thriller transpired with 13. 1 seconds remaining when LeBron James perfectly swished the game-tying three immediately after forcing a Rocket turnover. It was merely another entry to James’ laundry list of iconic playoff moments over a 23-year career.
But that 25-foot three-pointer from the wing will not be the play the 41-year old veteran remembers most fondly from the Game 3 victory in Houston. Instead, it was a second quarter sequence that he shared with his own namesake. Given the Lakers’ shorthandedness at guard down Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, head coach JJ Redick inserted Bronny James into the lineup to start the second quarter, giving the 21-year old meaningful rotation minutes alongside his father.
Such a moment can be difficult even for the NBA’s oldest player to compartmentalize, as the intensity of playoff basketball suddenly intersects with fondness of family. “There are many moments that happen over the course of the game,” LeBron said. “In a postseason game, I’m always super locked in.
And over the last three games, there have been many moments where I kind of locked out. And all those moments have been with Bronny. ” Despite the emotions of the moment for the James family, the shared LeBron and Bronny minutes went swimmingly for the Lakers.