Lakers Edge Rockets in Overtime Thriller
Friday, April 24, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Toyota Center (Houston)
Los Angeles Lakers 112, Houston Rockets 108, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Los Angeles Lakers vs Houston Rockets?
Los Angeles Lakers beat Houston Rockets 112-108 at Toyota Center (Houston) on April 24, 2026.
Who was favored in Los Angeles Lakers vs Houston Rockets?
Houston Rockets were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -250 (about 71% implied). The underdog won.
In a closely contested matchup, the Los Angeles Lakers triumphed over the Houston Rockets with a final score of 112-108 after overtime. This victory not only allowed the Lakers to secure the series 2-1 against the Rockets but also highlighted the competitive nature of both teams as they vie for playoff positioning. The game took place at the Toyota Center in Houston, where the Rockets have enjoyed a strong home record of 52-30 this season, while the Lakers finished with a slightly better away record of 53-29.
The Rockets entered the game with a solid home performance, boasting a record of 9-1 in their last ten games, averaging 123.6 points scored while allowing 108.4 points. Their recent form included a notable victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on April 13, where they won 132-101. However, they faced challenges with injuries, as key players Kevin Durant, Fred VanVleet, and Steven Adams were listed as day-to-day, which could have impacted their overall performance.
On the other hand, the Lakers came into the game riding a three-game winning streak, having won seven out of their last ten games. They averaged 116.2 points scored and allowed 112.2 points during this stretch. Their recent successes included a convincing win against the Utah Jazz on April 13, where they secured a 131-107 victory. Despite their strong form, the Lakers had their own injury concerns, but they managed to maintain a competitive edge.
Historically, the matchup has been favorable for the Lakers, who have won four out of the last six meetings against the Rockets. This season alone, the teams faced off three times, with the Rockets winning one game and the Lakers taking the other two. The previous encounters included a close game on March 19, where the Rockets fell to the Lakers 116-124.
In terms of betting lines, DraftKings set the spread at HOU -7.5, indicating that the Rockets were favored to win by 7.5 points. The total for the game was set at 205.5, with odds of -112.0 for the over and -108.0 for the under. The moneyline reflected the Rockets as the favorites at -250.0, while the Lakers were positioned at 205.0.
The game conditions were conducive to a high-energy contest, with both teams looking to capitalize on their strengths. Fans witnessed a thrilling overtime period that showcased the resilience of the Lakers. Key scoring plays included a driving layup by Rui Hachimura, assisted by LeBron James, which pushed the Lakers ahead in overtime. The Rockets responded with a two-point shot from Alperen Sengun, narrowing the gap.
Marcus Smart played a crucial role in the overtime period, converting multiple free throws that extended the Lakers' lead. Reed Sheppard also made a significant contribution with a three-pointer that kept the Rockets within striking distance. However, despite their efforts, the Rockets could not overcome the deficit, ultimately sealing their fate with a final score of 112-108.
As the playoffs approach, both teams will need to address their injury concerns and maintain their competitive form. The Lakers' victory not only boosts their confidence but also sets the stage for an exciting postseason, while the Rockets will look to regroup and make necessary adjustments ahead of their next challenge.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | HOU -7.5 | 205.5 o -112 / u -108 | Los Angeles Lakers +205 · Houston Rockets -250 |
Injury report
- Kevin DurantDay-To-DayAnkleHouston Rockets
- Fred VanVleetDay-To-DayKneeHouston Rockets
- Steven AdamsDay-To-DayAnkleHouston Rockets
Leaders
- PointsAlperen Sengun33Houston Rockets
- AssistsReed Sheppard7Houston Rockets
- ReboundsAlperen Sengun16Houston Rockets
- PointsLeBron James29Los Angeles Lakers
- AssistsMarcus Smart10Los Angeles Lakers
- ReboundsLeBron James13Los Angeles Lakers
Recent form
Houston Rockets
Last 10: 9-1Streak W1123.6 scored · 108.4 allowed per game5-1 at home
- W132-101vs Memphis GrizzliesApr 13
- L132-136vs Minnesota TimberwolvesApr 11
- W113-102vs Philadelphia 76ersApr 10
- W119-105at Phoenix SunsApr 8
- W117-116at Golden State WarriorsApr 6
- W140-106vs Utah JazzApr 4
- W119-113vs Milwaukee BucksApr 2
- W111-94vs New York KnicksApr 1
- W134-102at New Orleans PelicansMar 29
- W119-109at Memphis GrizzliesMar 28
Los Angeles Lakers
Last 10: 7-3Streak W3116.2 scored · 112.2 allowed per game2-2 away
- W131-107vs Utah JazzApr 13
- W101-73vs Phoenix SunsApr 11
- W119-103at Golden State WarriorsApr 10
- L87-123vs Oklahoma City ThunderApr 8
- L128-134at Dallas MavericksApr 5
- L96-139at Oklahoma City ThunderApr 3
- W127-113vs Cleveland CavaliersApr 1
- W120-101vs Washington WizardsMar 31
- W116-99vs Brooklyn NetsMar 28
- W137-130at Indiana PacersMar 25
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LA Lakers | - | 29 | W3 | .646 | 53 |
| Phoenix | 8 | 37 | W1 | .549 | 45 |
| LA Clippers | 11 | 40 | W1 | .512 | 42 |
| Golden State | 16 | 45 | L3 | .451 | 37 |
| Sacramento | 31 | 60 | L1 | .268 | 22 |
| San Antonio | - | 20 | L1 | .756 | 62 |
| Houston | 10 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| New Orleans | 36 | 56 | L2 | .317 | 26 |
| Dallas | 36 | 56 | W1 | .317 | 26 |
| Memphis | 37 | 57 | L8 | .305 | 25 |
Box score
| Stat | Los Angeles Lakers | Houston Rockets |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 38-79 | 40-98 |
| Field goal % | 48 | 41 |
| Three-pointers | 12-29 | 11-39 |
| Three-point % | 41 | 28 |
| Free throws | 24-32 | 17-23 |
| Free throw % | 75 | 74 |
| Rebounds | 45 | 49 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 18 |
| Defensive rebounds | 36 | 31 |
| Assists | 28 | 21 |
| Steals | 12 | 15 |
| Blocks | 6 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 20 | 15 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 2 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 17 | 22 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 15 |
| Points in the paint | 50 | 54 |
| Fouls | 23 | 20 |
| Largest lead | 15 | 6 |
| Lead changes | 8 | 8 |
| Time in front | 82 | 11 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter78-71LeBron James makes 28-foot three point jumper (Marcus Smart assists)
- 3rd Quarter78-73Alperen Sengun makes 5-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter80-73Jarred Vanderbilt makes 1-foot reverse layup (Marcus Smart assists)
- 3rd Quarter80-75Amen Thompson makes 16-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter82-75LeBron James makes layup (Jarred Vanderbilt assists)
- 4th Quarter83-75Jarred Vanderbilt makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter83-78Jabari Smith Jr. makes 26-foot three point jumper (Amen Thompson assists)
- 4th Quarter84-78Luke Kennard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter85-78Luke Kennard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter85-81Jabari Smith Jr. makes 24-foot three point jumper (Reed Sheppard assists)
- 4th Quarter85-83Alperen Sengun makes 13-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter87-83LeBron James makes 2-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter87-85Amen Thompson makes 3-foot dunk (Alperen Sengun assists)
- 4th Quarter87-87Amen Thompson makes running layup (Alperen Sengun assists)
- 4th Quarter89-87Marcus Smart makes 9-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter89-89Alperen Sengun makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter91-89Marcus Smart makes 3-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter91-92Reed Sheppard makes 25-foot three point jumper (Alperen Sengun assists)
- 4th Quarter91-93Amen Thompson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter91-95Alperen Sengun makes 2-foot two point shot (Reed Sheppard assists)
- 4th Quarter93-95Jaxson Hayes makes tip in dunk
- 4th Quarter93-97Alperen Sengun makes 3-foot driving dunk (Reed Sheppard assists)
- 4th Quarter95-97LeBron James makes 2-foot alley oop dunk (Marcus Smart assists)
- 4th Quarter95-99Alperen Sengun makes 3-foot two point shot (Reed Sheppard assists)
- 4th Quarter95-101Alperen Sengun makes 3-foot running dunk
- 4th Quarter96-101Marcus Smart makes free throw 1 of 3
- 4th Quarter97-101Marcus Smart makes free throw 2 of 3
- 4th Quarter98-101Marcus Smart makes free throw 3 of 3
- 4th Quarter101-101LeBron James makes 24-foot running jump shot (Luke Kennard assists)
- OT104-101Marcus Smart makes 22-foot three point jumper (Rui Hachimura assists)
- OT105-101Rui Hachimura makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT105-103Alperen Sengun makes driving layup
- OT107-103Rui Hachimura makes driving layup (LeBron James assists)
- OT107-105Alperen Sengun makes 11-foot two point shot
- OT108-105Marcus Smart makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT109-105Marcus Smart makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT110-105Marcus Smart makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT111-105Marcus Smart makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT111-108Reed Sheppard makes 25-foot three pointer (Jabari Smith Jr. assists)
- OT112-108Marcus Smart makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Houston Rockets, below favours Los Angeles Lakers.
Venue
- Toyota Center (Houston)Houston, TX
- Attendance18055
- OfficialsZach Zarba, Tre Maddox, Nate Green, Ray Acosta
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- Lakers Defeat Rockets 98-78 in Playoff MatchupMay 1, 2026
- Rockets Secure Victory Over Lakers in Close ContestApr 29, 2026
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