New Kevin Durant Rumors Reveal Rockets' Reaction to Injured Star Not Being on Bench for Lakers G3

Houston Rockets star forward Kevin Durant drew some criticism for not being on the bench during the team's Game 3 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, but he had a valid reason.

Durant, who was out with an ankle injury, decided to get treatment in the training room instead of sitting on the bench during the game. However, one team source told ESPN's Ramona Shelburne and Tim MacMahon that the Rockets didn't have an issue with his decision.

"Would the optics have been better if he was on the bench? Sure," the source said. "But no one had any problem with it. We all knew how hard he was working to rehab and how much he wanted to play."

The Rockets suffered a 112-108 loss in Game 3 that put them on the verge of being swept. They won the next two games without Durant to keep their season alive before falling in Game 6 on Friday.

Lakers-Rockets Highlights

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Durant will be hoping to stay healthy when it matters most as the Rockets try to contend for an NBA title next season.