Los Angeles closes out Houston with smothering Game 6 win
lakers-eliminate-rockets-game-6-2026-playoffs
HOUSTON — The Los Angeles Lakers advanced to the Western Conference semifinals after defeating the Houston Rockets 98-78 on Friday night, sealing the first-round series 4-2.
LeBron James paved the way with 28 points on 10-for-25 shooting and hit 6 of 8 free throws. The Lakers never trailed after the opening minutes and built a lead that reached 29 points.
Los Angeles controlled the glass 54-45 and limited Houston to 35 percent shooting, including just 5-for-28 (18 percent) from three-point range. The Lakers hit 12 of 28 attempts from deep (43 percent) and finished at 40 percent overall.
Deandre Ayton anchored the interior with 16 rebounds, while Amen Thompson topped Houston with 18 points. The Rockets struggled to generate offense throughout, managing only 23 points in the fourth quarter after entering the period down 12.
The Lakers led for 85 percent of the game and committed 11 turnovers to the Rockets’ 14. Three free-throw trips from James in the third quarter helped Los Angeles stretch the margin to double digits for good.
With the win, the Lakers will face the winner of the other Western Conference first-round matchup in the next round. Game 6 was played at Toyota Center in Houston and streamed on Prime Video. Kevin Cutler, Scott Foster and Curtis Blair officiated.
Source: ESPN
