Here is the play, which didn’t impact much, where LeBron James should’ve been called out of bounds. Possession still remained with Houston:
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LeBron James looks on during the Lakers’ Game 3 comeback as an NBA review later revealed missed calls in the final moments.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ dramatic comeback victory in Game 3 is now under scrutiny after the NBA’s official review revealed multiple missed calls that benefited them late.
According to the league’s Last Two Minute Report, the Lakers got away with two key infractions during their 112-108 overtime win over the Houston Rockets on Friday night — a result that gave Los Angeles a commanding 3-0 lead in the first-round playoff series.
The most significant missed call came during a pivotal sequence involving Marcus Smart.
With the Lakers trailing late in regulation, Smart was fouled on a 3-point attempt and converted all three free throws to cut the deficit. However, the Last Two Minute Report later confirmed that Smart entered the lane early on his third attempt — a violation that should have nullified the free throw.
“Smart (LAL) enters the lane early, prior to the ball contacting the rim,” the report stated.
Had the violation been called, the Rockets would have maintained a 101-97 lead with just over 25 seconds remaining — a crucial difference in a game that ultimately swung in Los Angeles’ favor.
Moments later, LeBron James tied the game with a 3-pointer, forcing overtime.
The report also flagged another missed violation involving James during overtime.
“James (LAL) steps out of bounds while he is in possession of the ball,” the report noted.
The sequence occurred with the Lakers leading 107-105. While the violation went uncalled, the Rockets retained possession after James passed the ball to Reed Sheppard, minimizing the immediate impact of the missed call.
Still, the combination of missed infractions has fueled debate around the game’s officiating.
Here is the play, which didn’t impact much, where LeBron James should’ve been called out of bounds. Possession still remained with Houston:
Controversy aside, the Lakers’ rally was one of their most resilient performances of the postseason.
“It’s tough to win on the road in the playoffs and even without KD they’re a great basketball team,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said. “And that was a huge test for us, especially in that moment when we’re down six.”
Los Angeles responded in overtime with a decisive 6-2 run, highlighted by a Smart 3-pointer that gave the Lakers a 107-103 lead.
Smart continued to deliver in the closing moments, knocking down two free throws with 35.5 seconds remaining to extend the lead to 111-105. After Sheppard hit a late 3-pointer to cut the deficit to three, Smart made one of two free throws to seal the 112-108 victory.
Smart finished with 21 points and 10 assists, while Rui Hachimura added 22 points in a strong offensive showing.
James, meanwhile, carried a heavy load, playing more than 45 minutes and finishing with a dominant all-around performance.
“Everyone has to do a little bit more because of how much we’re missing,” James said. “It’s a challenge for all of us and just trying to figure it out together.”
With both Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves sidelined due to injuries, the Lakers have leaned heavily on their veteran core — and delivered when it mattered most.
For Houston, the loss was another example of late-game struggles that have plagued the young team.
“Horrendous mistakes,” Rockets coach Ime Udoka said. “I don’t know if you want to say youth or scared of the moment, or whatever the case.”
The Rockets had built a 101-95 lead after forcing consecutive turnovers by James, putting themselves in position to close out the game — even without Kevin Durant, who missed his second straight game due to an ankle injury.
Instead, a costly turnover and defensive breakdowns opened the door for the Lakers’ comeback.
“It was a stupid turnover,” Sheppard admitted. “I should have just made the simple play.”
The loss leaves Houston on the brink of elimination, trailing 3-0 in the series — a deficit no NBA team has ever overcome.
Udoka challenged his team to respond ahead of Game 4.
“Grow up,” he said. “You’re not that young anymore.”
Meanwhile, the Lakers are now one win away from a sweep, though Game 3’s officiating controversy is likely to linger as the series continues.
Alder Almo is a veteran NBA reporter for Heavy.com, covering the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors. He brings over 20 years of experience across local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Originally from the Philippines, he is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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