The Los Angeles Lakers secured a 112-108 victory over the Houston Rockets in overtime during Game 3 of their first-round playoff series, taking a commanding 3-0 lead. Late in the fourth quarter, Lakers guard Marcus Smart was found to have committed a lane violation on a free throw attempt, as noted in the NBA's Last Two Minute Report. This violation occurred before Smart's shot, which cut the Rockets' lead from four to three points with 25.5 seconds remaining. Smart, who finished the game with 21 points, played a pivotal role in overtime, scoring 8 points as the Lakers outscored the Rockets 11-7 in the extra period. The Rockets played without their star player, Kevin Durant, who is currently recovering from a sprained left ankle. Coach Ime Udoka expressed optimism about Durant's potential return for Game 4.