LeBron James relishes Game 6 triumph as Lakers eliminate Rockets
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HOUSTON — LeBron James urged his teammates to savor the moment after the Los Angeles Lakers closed out the Houston Rockets with a decisive 120-103 victory in Game 6 of their first-round playoff series on May 1, 2026, at Toyota Center.
“I think we should be proud of the way we played, the way we handled this,” James told reporters. “At this stage of my career, I’m OK with celebrating the small victories.”
James paced all scorers with 28 points, adding seven rebounds and eight assists in 37 minutes. The 39-year-old forward’s performance helped the Lakers avoid becoming the first NBA team to squander a 3-0 series lead after dropping Games 4 and 5.
The Lakers advanced despite missing MVP candidate Luka Doncic and seeing guard Austin Reaves sidelined for the opening four games. “We had some obstacles,” James said, noting Houston was also short-handed. “For them to allow me to lead them, that means a lot to me.”
Los Angeles appeared in trouble late in the regular season when injuries to Doncic and Reaves left the roster depleted. James assumed a larger role on the court and within the locker room. “They still have to accept it, obviously,” he explained. “I was an extension of our coaching staff when we’re on the floor, and I’m happy I was able to do some things to make them understand that I guess I know what I’m doing at times.”
The Lakers move on to the Western Conference semifinals, while the Rockets’ season ends after their first postseason appearance since 2024.
Source: Lakers Nation
