Lakers Dominate Rockets 98-78 in Game 6, Now Facing the Thunder Next
Los Angeles Lakers Advance to Second Round of Playoffs
In a decisive Game 6 on Friday night, the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets 98-78, securing their spot in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs for the first time since 2023. That year, the Lakers faced defeat against the Denver Nuggets in the conference finals while missing top scorer Luka Doncic for the entirety of the series.
LeBron James led the Lakers with 28 points, complemented by Rui Hachimura, who contributed 21 points, including five 3-pointers. The Lakers built an impressive lead, relying on a significant first-half surge that featured a 27-3 scoring run, allowing them to head into halftime with a commanding 48-31 advantage.
The Lakers, seeded fourth, will now face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder, with Game 1 scheduled for Tuesday in Oklahoma City.
Despite a recent resurgence, the fifth-seeded Rockets faced elimination once more after their second consecutive first-round playoff exit. They had managed to win two straight games after initially falling behind 0-3 in the series, although they were hindered by the absence of superstar Kevin Durant, who played only one game due to a knee injury followed by an ankle issue.
Friday’s game proved challenging for the Rockets, evidenced by their dismal shooting performance. They managed just 35% from the field and struggled significantly from beyond the arc, making only 5 of 28 three-point attempts. Reed Sheppard led the Rockets with 18 points, while Alperen Sengun added 17.
The Rockets’ shooting woes began early in the second quarter, where they failed to score a field goal until nearly halfway through the period. This offensive struggle was pivotal as the Lakers continued to build their lead.
Austin Reaves contributed 15 points in his second game back after an oblique injury, while Deandre Ayton recorded seven points and 16 rebounds.
With this win, the Lakers aim to continue their playoff momentum against an Oklahoma City team that poses a formidable challenge ahead.
