LeBron, Lakers Called Out by Fans as Rockets Avoid Elimination With Rout as Durant Sits With Injury

LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers missed a chance to complete the series sweep, falling 115-96 to the Houston Rockets on the road, who remained without Kevin Durant.

LeBron James and the Lakers took the first three games over Houston before clinching an exciting overtime victory on the road in Game 3, but failed to complete the sweep on Sunday as the Lakers starters struggled. 

Deandre Ayton matched his series high with 19 points and 10 rebounds in the loss before being ejected after a Flagrant 2 foul. Rui Hachimura added 13 points.

LeBron James struggled with 10 points on 2-of-9 shooting, adding four rebounds and nine assists while committing eight turnovers. Bronny James finished with five points, two rebounds and four assists. 

Los Angeles remained without its stars, as Luka Doncic (left hamstring strain) and Austin Reaves (left oblique strain) were sidelined.

For the Houston Rockets, the starters delivered across the board, building a lead of up to 28 points. 

Amen Thompson led the team with 23 points, Alperen Sengun added 19, Reed Sheppard contributed 17 and Tari Eason scored 20 in the win without Durant, who remained sidelined with a left ankle sprain.

After a crucial win to avoid elimination Sunday, the Houston Rockets are looking to build on last season, when they fell 4-3 in the first round to the Golden State Warriors after missing the playoffs for four straight years prior.

The winner of the Los Angeles Lakers-Houston Rockets series will move on 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 3-0 edge.

The series between Los Angeles and Houston shifts to L.A. for Wednesday's Game.