The Los Angeles Lakers completely no-showed a close-out game on Sunday night.
Despite facing a desperate Houston Rockets squad missing Kevin Durant (again), the Lakers looked lethargic and out of pace during the blowout 115-96 loss at the Toyota Center.
Houston Rockets Dominate Lakers in Frustrating Game 4 Blowout
Heading into Game 4 with a commanding 3-0 series lead, Los Angeles caught a break before the game even tipped off.
Houston ruled out Durant due to a lingering left ankle sprain, forcing Ime Udoka to deploy his youthful starting five in an elimination game.
However, what followed was an underwhelming showing from the Los Angeles squad.
Led by a 23-point, 7-assist game from Amen Thompson and 19 points from Alperen Şengün, the Rockets aggressively pushed the pace from the opening tip.
The Lakers’ defensive rotations lacked their usual crispness as Houston found easy paths to the rim and ruthlessly punished the Lakers’ defense, forcing a Game 5.
Social media erupted with criticism toward the Lakers’ lack of effort, calling out the team’s abysmal energy.
Lakers beat reporter Mike Trudell wrote, “Lakers have looked fatigued here against a team desperate to avoid a sweep. Houston’s lead grew to 15 prior to a transition layup from Hachimura that made it 64-51. LA have committed 15 turnovers and hit only 1 of 8 3’s.”
Lakers have looked fatigued here against a team desperate to avoid a sweep.
Houston’s lead grew to 15 prior to a transition layup from Hachimura that made it 64-51.
LA have committed 15 turnovers and hit only 1 of 8 3’s.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) April 27, 2026
“Lakers seem totally fine with winning this series on Wednesday,” Kevin Wildes remarked.
“You can come back from 17 down in the playoffs to win a game. You absolutely cannot come back from 17 down EVER if you’re playing with this energy. If there’s a Game 5, HOU will be a more confident team than they were tonight,” Dan Woike highlighted.
“Lakers just didn’t meet the moment of a team who’s in desperation mode on the other side… Even though Houston is known for blowing leads, this one feels completely over…” a Lakers fan page posted.
Lakers just didn’t meet the moment of a team who’s in desperation mode on the other side.
Couple that with turning the ball over and not being able to shoot and you have the classic down 3-0 blowout.
Even though Houston is known for blowing leads, this one feels completely…
— Witness King James (@WITNESSKJ) April 27, 2026
“Lakers just going thru the motion. Turning the 🏀 over, taking ill advised shots not hustling bck on defense. Rockets are playing harder, but Lakers seem content 2 play gm 5 in LA. #nbaplayoffs #LakersRockets,” Shannon Sharpe observed.
“Looks like the Rockets have a little bit of respect for themselves and will face the gentlemen’s sweep rather than a quick 4-0 series,” NBA insider Brett Siegel stated.
Looks like the Rockets have a little bit of respect for themselves and will face the gentlemen’s sweep rather than a quick 4-0 series.
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) April 27, 2026
The fatigue had also finally caught up to LeBron James. The 41-year-old looked completely devoid of his usual burst, finishing with 10 points on an abysmal 2-of-9 shooting, along with 8 turnovers.
Besides the team’s lack of effort, disciplinary hurdles also hampered them.
With Los Angeles down 19 points with 5:41 remaining in the third quarter, Deandre Ayton’s left forearm hit Şengün across the face.
JUST IN: Deandre Ayton was just ejected for this Flagrant 2 on Sengun. This is so soft. What?!? pic.twitter.com/566MaBkrig
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) April 27, 2026
After reviewing the video, officials hit Ayton with a Flagrant 2 foul, triggering an automatic ejection. Up until then, he was putting together his best performance of the series (team-high 19 points and 10 rebounds).
Despite still holding a 3-1 series lead, Los Angeles cannot afford any more mistakes.
Another lethargic performance at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday could derail the momentum and risk letting this entire series slip out of their control.
