Lakers’ Challenging Series Vs Rockets Suggest Bigger Issues Vs Thunder

HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 26: Jabari Smith Jr. #10 of the Houston Rockets defends LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarteri in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Toyota Center on April 26, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

(Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) Getty Images Once the final buzzer sounded, the Los Angeles Lakers could finally exhale. They discarded the Houston Rockets with a 98-78 win on Friday in a decisive Game 6 of their first-round playoff series. They also avoided the remote possibility of becoming the first team in NBA history to squander a 3-0 series lead.

Their 41-year-old superstar, LeBron James , showed once again that he can pause Father Time with another balanced game with 28 points, eight assists and competitive intensity. Their rising star, Austin Reaves , looked more refreshed in his second game since staying sidelined for nearly 3 ½ weeks with a Grade 2 left oblique strain. Their role players made defensive stops ( Marcus Smart , Deandre Ayton) and 3s (Smart, Rui Hachimura).

The Lakers have reasons to feel better with closing out this series in six games after nearly squandering a 3-1 series lead with two consecutive contests losses. The Lakers should feel more concerned, however, on what awaits them. How the Lakers disbanded the Rockets does not foreshadow how they will fare against the Oklahoma City Thunder .