Rockets Avoid Sweep, Defeat Lakers in Game 4

The Houston Rockets defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 115-96 in Game 4, extending their first-round playoff series to 3-1. Houston's defensive strategy, incorporating small-ball lineups, contained the Lakers' offense throughout the game.

LeBron James scored 10 points on 2-for-9 shooting and committed eight turnovers for the Lakers. This marked his second consecutive game with eight turnovers. The Lakers shot 5-for-22 from three-point range and registered a 25.6% turnover rate on offensive possessions, the highest in the postseason.

Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason contributed to Houston's defensive effort. Smith anchored the Rockets' small lineups and recorded 17 deflections. Houston tied a franchise record with 17 steals in Game 4, with Smith and Eason combining for eight steals. Lineups without a traditional center achieved a plus-16 rating in 19 possessions for the Rockets.