LeBron James caught in chaos as refs’ mistake sparks Lakers-Rockets drama

In a nail-biting finish, the Houston Rockets secured a 119-115 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night, with Jalen Green leading the charge with 33 points. Fred VanVleet’s critical steal in the final seconds sealed the win, but a controversial missed timeout call involving LeBron James left fans and analysts debating the outcome.

Rockets Hold Strong Despite Late Lakers Surge

The Rockets seemed poised for an easy win after building a 22-point lead, but the Lakers rallied late. LeBron James brought the Lakers within two points, making it 117-115 with just eight seconds remaining. However, when Alperen Şengün missed one of two free throws, the Lakers had a chance to tie the game.

As James signaled for a timeout on the ensuing play, VanVleet intercepted the inbounds pass, effectively ending Los Angeles’ hopes. VanVleet then made one of two free throws to seal the Rockets’ victory.

LeBron Addresses Missed Timeout Call

After the game, James spoke about the referees not acknowledging his timeout call. “Max [Christie] definitely still had the ball in his hands, but it wasn’t awarded,” James said. “That happens. We didn’t lose the game because of that.”

While James remained diplomatic, the missed call became a focal point for fans who believe it cost the Lakers a chance to push the game into overtime.

Standout Performances

Rockets:

– Jalen Green led all scorers with 33 points, showcasing his offensive prowess.

– Amen Thompson had a breakout performance, contributing 23 points and a career-high 16 rebounds in his return after a two-game suspension.

– Fred VanVleet’s late-game steal underscored his defensive importance.

Lakers:

– Anthony Davis dominated with 30 points and 13 rebounds, keeping the Lakers competitive throughout the game.

– LeBron James finished with 21 points, 13 rebounds, and nine assists but struggled early, managing only five points in the first half.

Pivotal Moments in the Game

The Lakers made a strong push late in the fourth quarter, fueled by an 11-2 run, with six points from Davis. However, Amen Thompson’s emphatic dunk ignited a 7-2 Rockets run, extending their lead to 115-108 with just 2:30 left.

A three-pointer from Davis trimmed Houston’s lead to 117-113, followed by James’ basket to make it a two-point game. Despite their efforts, VanVleet’s decisive steal dashed the Lakers’ comeback hopes.

Takeaways from the Game

– Lakers’ Struggles: While Davis delivered an outstanding performance, James’ slow start hindered the Lakers. His five first-half points put added pressure on the team to mount a second-half comeback.

– Rockets’ Depth: Amen Thompson’s standout performance was a positive sign for Houston, especially as he fills in for Jabari Smith Jr., who is sidelined for up to two months with a hand injury.

– Key Stats: The Rockets dominated the paint, scoring 52 points compared to the Lakers’ 40. This interior dominance played a crucial role in their victory.

What’s Next?

The Lakers will need to regroup quickly as they continue their Texas road trip. With Anthony Davis in top form, Los Angeles has a strong foundation, but consistency from LeBron James will be vital in securing wins.

For the Rockets, Sunday’s game highlighted their potential and depth. Jalen Green and Amen Thompson’s performances demonstrate Houston’s bright future, while Fred VanVleet’s veteran leadership adds stability in critical moments.

While the Rockets celebrated a hard-fought win, the controversy surrounding LeBron James’ missed timeout call added drama to an already thrilling game. As the Lakers and Rockets continue their respective seasons, this game will undoubtedly be remembered for its intensity and the decisive plays that shaped the outcome.