Without star guards Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, the Los Angeles Lakers were able to take a 3-0 lead over the Houston Rockets, largely due to the play of LeBron James.
James had 19 points, 13 assists, and 8 rebounds in Game 1, 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists in Game 2, and 29 points, 13 rebounds, and 6 assists in Game 3, all Lakers wins.
He fell off in Game 4, scoring just 10 points with 9 assists and 4 rebounds, but bounced back with 25 points, 7 assists, and 3 rebounds in Game 5.
The Lakers’ recent losses have exposed vulnerability, but they insist there’s no reason to panic yet.
However, some experienced voices believe ignoring warning signs could be a mistake.
NBA Veteran Brandon Jennings Says LeBron James, Lakers Need to Hit the ‘Panic Button’
On Gil’s Arena, former NBA guard Brandon Jennings warned the Lakers’ approach is risky. Their 3-0 series lead now feels fragile, after two straight losses that raise questions about their mindset.
“This situation to me is like being up 30, and the other team’s still got their starters in, and they’re just still playing hard, and you’re just taking your foot off the gas,” Jennings explained.
“The first three games, from the coaching and everything, the pressure defense is just not the same right now, the intensity. They **** the bed last night, and Houston is playing with their backs against the wall.”
Brandon Jennings think’s it’s time for the Lakers to hit the panic button 😳
“Being up 3-0, and if they lose to a team without one of their best players it’s gonna look very bad.” pic.twitter.com/FDPRtnIXfL
— Gil’s Arena (@GilsArenaShow) April 30, 2026
He further emphasized that playoff veterans like James and Marcus Smart should recognize the moment.
Jennings insisted the Lakers “need to hit that panic button,” stressing that action must happen “right now.” He warned that losing Game 6 could cost them the series, shifting all momentum to Houston.
Reaves returned for Game 5 but struggled with his shooting, managing only 4-of-16 from the field. However, he went 12-of-13 from the free-throw line for 22 points, a sign he may be regaining his form after missing time.
As for Dončić, his expected return is not until the second round at the earliest, assuming the Lakers secure one more win.
With a historic collapse on the horizon, James and the Lakers face enormous pressure to avoid becoming the first team ever to blow a 3-0 lead.
“Being up 3-0, and if they lose to a team without one of their best players, it’s gonna look very bad,” Jennings added.
“It’s time for the Lakers to hit the panic button – seriously.”
Unless the Lakers respond with urgency and higher intensity, they risk making unwanted NBA history.
It’ll be interesting to see how James leads the Lakers to another win over Houston. With Reaves back in the mix, JJ Redick has some plays to draw in favor of the guard. He is a dangerous ball-handler and playmaker on his day, but may be quite rusty in postseason basketball considering the time he’s missed so far.
