LeBron and the Lakers are one win away from history
The Los Angeles Lakers head into Game 4 with an opportunity to sweep the Houston Rockets and make a bit of history in the process.
A win would give LeBron James the 13th playoff sweep of his career, tying Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most all-time, according to ESPN Stats & Info.
Beyond the historical significance, finishing the series in four games would allow the Lakers to earn needed rest for their starting backcourt while continuing to build momentum after a would-be upset opening-round performance.
“We got to be like a lion. We got to have that killer instinct. We got them on the ground. We just got to finish them off and keep our foot on their neck,” Marcus Smart said after Game 3's 112-108 overtime win in Houston.
Kevin Durant’s status
Kevin Durant could make his desperately needed return with Houston’s season on the verge of ending.
After missing Game 1 with a knee injury and sitting out Game 3 with a left ankle sprain, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka said Durant is working toward being available for Game 4.
If Durant returns, it would provide Houston with a major offensive boost in an elimination game.
The Lakers made life difficult for Durant in Game 2, using constant double-teams and forcing the ball out of his hands.
Durant finished with 23 points but scored just three in the second half while committing a playoff career-high nine turnovers.
Austin Reaves’ return could be key to sweep
The Lakers could receive an important reinforcement in Game 4 if Austin Reaves is able to return.
Reaves was a gametime decision ahead of Game 3 but was downgraded to unavailable after going through his warmup routine minutes before tip-off.
If Reaves is available on Sunday, he will likely be on a minutes restriction, but the Lakers would regain another ball-handler and perimeter scorer as they look to close out the series at the Toyota Center.
Even if Reaves remains sidelined, the Lakers have shown through the first three games through LeBron James and Marcus Smart’s IQ tandem brilliance, and Luke Kennard at the point guard role.
The Lakers’ offensive efficiency has fueled 3-0 lead
One of the biggest reasons the Lakers have built a commanding 3-0 series lead has been their offensive efficiency and willingness to share the ball.
L.A. enters Game 4 leading all playoff teams in 3-point percentage (46.1%), ranking second in field-goal percentage (51.2%), and averaging 26 assists per game, the second most among playoff teams.
That efficiency has allowed the Lakers to control stretches offensively, punish defensive breakdowns, and capitalize on Houston’s mistakes.
If the Lakers continue to play on a string behind great coaching from JJ Redick and company, the Rockets will face an uphill battle trying to extend the series.
"Everyone has to do a little bit more because of how much we're missing. It's a challenge for all of us and we're just trying to figure out together on the fly," James said after Game 3.