LeBron James takes blame as Lakers suffer blowout defeat by Rockets

LeBron James has taken full responsibility for the Los Angeles Lakers’ 115-96 defeat by the Houston Rockets in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday.

The four-time NBA champion managed just 10 points and committed eight turnovers during a dismal performance in Texas.

Despite the heavy loss, the Lakers still hold a commanding 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series heading into Wednesday’s Game 5.

“It started with me, obviously. My turnovers were unacceptable.”

LeBron James

Third-quarter collapse and Ayton ejection

Los Angeles trailed by just nine points at halftime before being completely overwhelmed in a disastrous third quarter.

Houston outscored their opponents 34-18 in the period, exploiting an error-strewn spell where the veteran Lakers superstar shot 0-for-3 from the floor and surrendered possession four times.

Matters worsened for the visitors when center Deandre Ayton was ejected midway through the third quarter following a contentious video review.

The Bahamian big man was assessed a Flagrant 2 foul for striking Rockets center Alperen Sengun in the head with his forearm.

“We both are sweaty guys. [My arm] just slipped off his shoulder… I’m not a dirty player.”

Deandre Ayton

Tempers flare in fiery conclusion

Even Sengun, who starred for the hosts with 19 points and 13 rebounds in the absence of the injured Kevin Durant, felt the ejection was incredibly harsh.

“I didn’t expect them to eject him to be honest. I think it was a little bit soft.”

Alperen Sengun

The controversial dismissal sparked a chaotic end to the game, with officials handing out five further technical fouls.

Lakers rookie Adou Thiero and Houston guard Aaron Holiday were both thrown out of the contest with just over a minute remaining after a heated verbal exchange.

Team-mate Luka Doncic reportedly promised to pay any NBA fine incurred by Thiero, as post-match tensions continued to spill over at center court following the final buzzer.