LeBron James leads Lakers' rout of Rockets to close out series

Lakers forward Rui Hachimura elevates toward the rim after driving against Rockets center Alperen Sengun during the first half of Game 6 on Friday night in Houston. (Ashley Landis / Associated Press) LeBron James knew what was at stake in this first-round playoff series and that it was on his shoulders to meet the moment and have his teammates follow his lead. James simply elevated his play like he has so many times over his illustrious 23-year NBA career, playing with a purpose and willing the Lakers to a 98-78 win over the Houston Rockets on Friday night at the Toyota Center.

His 28 points, eight assists and seven rebounds is why the Lakers won the best-of-seven series, 4-2, over the Rockets and is why L. A. will meet the defending NBA champion Thunder on Tuesday night in Oklahoma City in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs.

James and the Lakers had been on the verge of collapsing in these playoffs, their commanding 3-0 lead cut to 3-2. But the Lakers and James let the Rockets know they were going to stay the course in Game 6 by building a 25-point lead in the third quarter. Rui Hachimura let James and the Lakers know he had come to play, scoring 21 points on eight-for-15 shooting and a sizzling five for seven on three-pointers.

Hachimura also had six rebounds. Lakers guard Marcus Smart dives behind Rockets center Alperen Sengun for a loose ball during the first half of Game 6. (Ashley Landis / Associated Press) Austin Reaves started in Game 6 and Luke Kennard , who had started the first five playoff games and the last five regular-season games, came off the bench.