HOUSTON — Sophomore guard Bronny James recorded the first postseason points of his career on Apr. 24, 2026, helping the Los Angeles Lakers defeat the Houston Rockets 109-92 in Game 3 of their first-round series at Toyota Center.
James entered late in the first half and buried a corner three, then finished a transition alley-oop from his father, LeBron James, early in the fourth quarter. The five-point burst proved meaningful for the 19-year-old guard.
“I’ve always pictured scoring in the playoffs,” James told Spectrum SportsNet. “Getting that first bucket really boosts my confidence and changes how I approach the rest of the series. I’m thankful the coaches trusted me and put me back in.”
Historic father-son connection
The alley-oop marked the first time a father and son connected on a postseason lob, according to the Lakers. Bronny said he could not recall the last time LeBron had thrown him a lob in live action, guessing it might have happened during training camp. “He noticed I was looking at him, tossed it up, and I just went to get it,” he said.
Outscoring Houston’s reserves
James’ five points eclipsed the production of the entire Rockets bench, which combined for three points on 1-for-11 shooting and missed all six three-point attempts. Center Clint Capela supplied Houston’s lone reserve field goal.
Head coach Darvin Ham has used James in brief stretches throughout the series, evaluating whether those minutes warrant extended time. Team officials hope consistent playoff exposure will accelerate his path toward a regular rotation role.
LeBron James, who also posted a double-double in the win, called the alley-oop “a special moment” after the game. The 21-time All-Star added that the depleted Lakers need every player to contribute as they navigate injuries and a tight schedule.
Los Angeles leads the best-of-seven series 2-1, with Game 4 set for Sunday night in Houston.
Source: Lakers Nation
