Lakers' defense stonewalls Rockets, 98-78, to advance to second round

May 1, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Lebron James (23) reacts after a made basket against the Houston Rockets during the second quarter of game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. HOUSTON -- A different, unforeseen level of energy reverberated throughout the Toyota Center on Friday night for Game 6. A red sea of Houstonians were sold on the concept of hope, understanding that history could be on the horizon.

No NBA team ever eradicated an 0-3 series deficit in 160 tries, but the Rockets stood one home victory away from becoming the fifth team to force a Game 7 after staring down the dreaded 0-3. The Los Angeles Lakers ensured they would not end up on the wrong side of a historic comeback. They fended off the raucous Houston crowd and captured a definitive 98-78 victory to advance to the Western Conference Semifinals, punching a ticket to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.

“I’m a big believer in life that you should celebrate every victory, you should celebrate small wins,” said JJ Redick, who won his first series as the Lakers’ head coach. “For us to be written off a few weeks ago and win a playoff series is a big deal. It speaks to the character of our team and the leaders of our team that they didn’t let go of the rope.

” The Rockets initially rallied behind the deafening atmosphere, forcefully attacking the rim to secure an early 16-11 edge. However, the Lakers silenced that momentum to a haunting degree, responding with a 27-3 run. Although Los Angeles caught fire from three during this stretch of separation, its defensive effort was the driving factor behind the disparity on the scoreboard.