Lakers beat Houston in Game 6 to reach Western Conference second round

11 articles · Updated · ESPN · May 1

LeBron James scored 28 points in Houston as fourth-seeded Los Angeles won 98-78, holding the Rockets to a season-low total and setting up Game 1 against top-seeded Oklahoma City on Tuesday.
Rui Hachimura added 21 points and the Lakers used a 27-3 first-half run, while Houston shot 35% overall and 5-for-28 from three.
Los Angeles reached the second round for the first time since 2023 despite Luka Doncic missing the series, while Houston exited in the first round for a second straight year.

Can the Lakers overcome the Thunder's regular season dominance and injury woes to pull off a playoff upset?

With LeBron James and Austin Reaves entering free agency, how might the Lakers' roster and title ambitions change this summer?

If Deandre Ayton continues to thrive in his new role, could he become the Lakers' secret weapon against deeper teams like the Thunder?