The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets 112-108 in overtime in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series, with Rui Hachimura playing a crucial role. LeBron James had a 29-point double-double and led the way for LA, but they don’t win without Rui's fast start. The Lakers let both players play out expiring contracts this season. Hachimura would have been the key matching salary if the Lakers took a big swing at the deadline. Instead, they kept Rui knowing he might depart for nothing in free agency. That bold call paid off to give the team a commanding lead in this series.
The 6’8 forward is starting and playing massive minutes with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves out. Hachimura had 14 points in 41.5 minutes in Game 1 and went for 13 in 42.5 to put the Lakers up 2-0. He had an even bigger night in Houston as he went off for 22 points, including making four 3-pointers in 43 minutes on Friday night. He was massive in the Lakers' hot start that let them survive a cold second 24 minutes. LA had to take it to OT, but they walked away with the W.
Hachimura’s defense was massive in Game 1, and he is proving the Lakers need him throughout this series. Hachimura's early buckets kept LA in the game, and the 6’8 forward continues to play a key role on both ends for the purple and gold.
Lakers’ gamble to keep Rui Hachimura looks genius after Game 3 win over Rockets
Rui got white hot in the first quarter. He had 16 points and couldn’t miss. The Lakers had 39 in the opening 12 minutes as they raced out to an early lead. It was ultimately the only reason it went to overtime. The Rockets won the final 36 minutes, and Los Angeles’ offense went ice cold in the second half. If it wasn’t for Rui in the first, the series would look completely different.
Career-high in a quarter: SIXTEEN for Rui ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/vJKgO2gxl6
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 25, 2026
Hachimura had a massive offensive rebound and three hugh points in the extra period. Head coach JJ Redick couldn't take him off the floor, and Hachimura delivered in a third straight improbable victory over the Rockets.
Austin Reaves is on the verge of returning for the Lakers. He was questionable coming into this game, but was ruled out just before tipoff. LA thought the star guard wasn’t quite ready, but he could return in Sunday’s Game 4.
The Lakers knew this was a massive contest. No team has ever come from down 3-0 to win an NBA playoff series. All 159 teams have advanced after taking that edge. LA just grabbed it in this one with a fast start and strong close. The Lakers feel all but certain to advance to face the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round of the playoffs.
Nobody thought Hachimura would be in this position. He was benched in mid-January and averaged just 24.9 minutes per game over 36 contests before Luka and AR were injured. Many thought the forward would be traded at the deadline to ensure they got something in return. It never happened. The Lakers stuck with him, and it paid dividends in the biggest game.
The Los Angeles Lakers stay in Houston for Game 4 on Sunday night. Reaves could return, but they will still need Rui Hachimura to keep making shots. He delivered in Game 3 when the purple and gold needed him. Let’s hope it continues.