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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 24: Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers during play against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena on October 24, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Lakers hold a 3-1 series lead and will return to Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday with a chance to close out the Houston Rockets in front of their home crowd. The numbers still heavily favor Los Angeles. Home floor. Everything pointing toward the next round.

Game 4 told a different story.

Houston won 115-96, LeBron James struggled through a 10-point night, and a third-quarter ejection reshaped the game at the worst possible moment. The Lakers still have control. One of their key players made clear after the final buzzer that he knows it is not finished yet.

Ayton Sends Blunt Message After Game 4

Deandre Ayton was asked after Game 4 how comfortable the Lakers feel sitting on a 3-1 lead.

“Tonight definitely didn’t make us feel comfortable,” Ayton said. “We’re pretty angry. I’m pretty angry. Honestly, I wish we could play tomorrow. I have a lot of energy now”.

That mentality is exactly what the Lakers need heading into Wednesday. Complacency is a more dangerous opponent than Houston right now. A team that lets a 3-1 lead feel like a guarantee is more dangerous to itself than any opponent.

Ayton was not doing that.

GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 18: Deandre Ayton #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers battles for position aainst Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets during the second half of Game One of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 18, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

How the Game Slipped Away

Ayton had given the Lakers exactly what they needed before his night ended early, finishing with 19 points and 10 rebounds. He provided the interior presence Los Angeles needed while James searched for rhythm and the offense struggled to find its footing.

Then officials ruled he had committed a flagrant 2 foul on Alperen Sengun in the third quarter. Ayton was gone. Los Angeles could not find its footing after losing him. Houston sensed it and pulled away.

Ayton maintained afterward that the contact was accidental, describing the play as a battle for position with no intent behind it.

Tari Eason gave Houston a significant lift with 20 points. The Rockets limited second-chance opportunities, applied pressure throughout, and played with the desperation of a team staring at elimination.

GettyAmen Thompson #1 of the Houston Rockets reacts during the third quarter of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers.

What the Lakers Need in Game 5

The series is still the Lakers’ to close. But Sunday showed why finishing it cannot be treated as a formality.

Los Angeles remains without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, which makes Ayton’s contribution even more critical. Without that level of shot creation available, the Lakers need interior stability. Rebounding, rim pressure, clean touches, and a physical presence that forces Houston to defend inside first. That version of Ayton is what the Lakers need.

The Lakers have the home crowd Wednesday. They have the series lead. What Game 4 gave them, beyond a loss, was a reminder that none of it is automatic.

GettyThe Los Angeles Lakers look on from the bench during overtime of the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on April 24, 2026 in Houston, Texas.

Final Word for the Lakers

Ayton did not sound like a player enjoying a 3-1 cushion. That is a good thing for the Lakers.

Houston got what it needed from Game 4 – the belief that this series is not over. Los Angeles got a reminder. The series does not end until someone wins four games.

Ayton wants to play again as soon as possible. Wednesday gives him the chance.