ClutchFans Game Thread: Lakers @ Rockets 4/26/2026 (Playoffs Round 1, Game 4)

I want to go on the record to make sure it’s very clear I’m not saying this

 

That's my interpretation of his post.

 

Well, at least the season closed out with ONE SHINING MOMENT!

 

Admittedly, I didn't watch last night.

Watching the replay now. We looked really good - kinda like I expected us to play from the beginning instead of just once desperate.

Its too bad statistically we won't win this series, because its setup in a way that we actually COULD... it would be sweet to steal G5. Heck, in 3 games we were outscored by 20... each game within 3 shots of being even, and then last night just puts us at -1 back in differential for the series lol after just 1 win.

Anyways, not important. I really feel like the series W-L should be flipped, but it is what it is.

I really do wish we could see this team constructed as intended. KD has been frustrating by missing these playoffs after a healthy year, so its easy and understandable to just want to be done and overhaul. The delay in this healthy roster is tough since being a year older wont be kind to our chances next season. We'll see what happens.

I was high on Udoka after year 1, but as much as he turned the squad around, without a good offensive gameplan that maximizes effectiveness of our rotations... he just seems limited, doesn't seem to ever take accountability, and seems a rather stubborn leader. We could have won nearly 60 games with the squad imagined, but would Udoka have made the adjustments needed to win in the playoffs?

I just don't know. Injury always holds us back, but this year made it clear to me that no matter how inconsistent some of our players are, the biggest concerns and question marks are Ime and management.

Good win last night. It'd be good to see again.

 

KD had a fine season statistically and no doubt got us a few more wins than we would have without FVV. But the melodramatic baggage attached to that, plus these mysterious first-round injuries seemed to suck the spirit out of the team when it really counted. I think Goon's pep talk reminded them of their original vision - that it was the younguns against the world.

BTW I was never in favor of the trade, and Green is actually showing growth in the post season after recovering from the hamstring. I'm a big fan of allowing teams to evolve organically and not chasing aging stars.

 

Are these assholes for real? They've received silver service from the refs all series and they think it's rigged against them? Jeeeezus

 

it took Ime/staff 3 games to come up w a strategy to accenuate Rox's strength, youth / athleticism / energy.

JJ Reddick/staff will come up w an adjustments to counter this recent move by Ime/staff.
will Ime/staff be able to make effective game-time adjustments in response?

 

Unfortunately it is too late, I don't see LeBron choking game 5.

 

But if he does… this is going to 7.

 

One more win to bring it back to da 'H'.

 

Jalen is shooting 37% now. Jalen always had a high ceiling but his inconsistency still the same as always.

What is mysterious about KD's injuries? LOL dude injured it in practice and now has a bone bruise. Its similar to what Tari already had multiple times but its mysterious?

The baggage with the KD files is overblown, people just wanna create drama. People said KD quit on this team is that why he was on the bench G4? You even have pics of him yapping with Reed and Jabari but ok they hate each other lol. When Jabari works out with KD in the summer again I wonder what people will say.

 

Let's be real this kiddie first round series is nice but the rockets will get demolished by OKC in 4 games.

 

Then Rockets would choke game 6..like did vs OKC in 2013.

 

Suns were limited with no real bigs but they played tougher D than Lakers and Rockets combined.....

Thunder I think only rested the 4th Quarter once.....

Great series by Dillon though. Book was cooked. JG was JG, all flashes....

 

*will edit after update

 

Most consistent I have seen him play in Home Games.

Booker was way worse and earns what....60 million?

 

3 days between games is so crazy.

 

reported.