LeBron James Wows Fans in Lakers OT Win vs. Rockets in Game 3 with Luka, KD, Reaves Out

LeBron James' double-double powered the Los Angeles Lakers to a Game 3 112-108 win over the Houston Rockets on Friday

Superstars on both sides were absent, with Luka Doncic (left hamstring strain) sidelined for the Los Angeles Lakers and Kevin Durant (left ankle sprain) out for the Houston Rockets. L.A.'s Austin Reaves was also sidelined with an injury. 

James led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 3-0 series lead with 29 points, 13 rebounds and six assists, adding three steals and a block in the overtime victory.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luke Kennard added 14 points, six rebounds and six assists, while Rui Hachimura scored 22 points. Marcus Smart contributed a double-double with 21 points and 10 assists as six Lakers reached double figures.

Los Angeles now sits on the brink of a series sweep on the road over the Houston Rockets following the late fourth-quarter comeback and overtime win.

By halftime, the Los Angeles Lakers led 63-52 after Kennard knocked down a jumper to reach eight points at the break, capping an impressive first half. James added 16 points for L.A.

Amen Thompson had 11 at the half, while Jabari Smith Jr. paced the Houston Rockets with 14 points.

Los Angeles held a five-point lead entering the fourth as both teams traded baskets down the stretch. A costly foul on Smart during a three-point attempt cut the deficit to three with 25 seconds left.

James responded with a clutch steal and three-pointer to tie it with 14 seconds remaining and nearly won it with 1.4 seconds left, sending the game into overtime.

Big-time playmaking from James and clutch shot-making from Smart sealed the overtime Game 3 win for the Los Angeles Lakers.

The winner of the Los Angeles Lakers-Houston Rockets series will advance to the Western Conference semifinals to face the winner of the No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. No. 8 Phoenix Suns matchup, with Oklahoma City holding a 2-0 lead.

The Lakers and Rockets series will remain in Houston for Game 4 on Sunday.