HOUSTON — The Los Angeles Lakers closed out their first-round series Friday night with a 98–78 victory over the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center, moving on to face the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals.
LeBron James, 41, led the way with 28 points, eight assists and seven rebounds. According to ESPN Research, he is now the oldest player ever to top all scorers in a playoff series, finishing the six games with 139 points. After the win, teammates filled the locker room with goat noises as coach JJ Redick highlighted James’ longevity, calling his career “the greatest” the league has seen.
“It’s pretty cool to have the opportunity to lead a team, at 41 years old, into the playoffs and for us to be able to win it,” James said, noting he does not know how many postseason runs he has left.
Defense keys decisive finish
The Lakers limited Houston to 35 percent shooting while committing just 11 turnovers, their fewest of the series. Center Deandre Ayton guarded Alperen Sengun one-on-one, holding the Rockets’ facilitator to one assist after he picked Los Angeles apart in Game 5. Marcus Smart added two steals and two blocks, and Austin Reaves—playing his second game back from a Grade 2 left oblique strain—recorded three blocks.
Rui Hachimura contributed 21 points on 5-for-7 shooting from deep, and Reaves scored 15. The win delivered first playoff-series celebrations for several Lakers, including rookie guard Bronny James.
Season’s twists elevate James again
James opened the year willing to take a reduced offensive role behind Luka Doncic and Reaves, a plan that produced a 16–2 March run. Injuries to both teammates on April 2 forced a shift that put the ball back in James’ hands, a change Redick said the roster embraced.
“For us to be written off a few weeks ago and to win a playoff series is a big deal,” Redick said.
Thunder await
Los Angeles will have three days before Tuesday’s Game 1 in Oklahoma City. The Thunder swept the regular-season series 4–0, winning by an average of 29.3 points. James declined to look ahead in detail, saying the team will start preparations Sunday.
Source: ESPN
