The first-round playoff showdown between the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets has taken some unexpected turns since it began, largely due to Kevin Durant’s injury issues and a tough Game 3 meltdown that left Ime Udoka’s team facing elimination. Yet the core dynamics of this matchup haven’t changed much: Houston boasts a big, athletic, and physical group with elite defensive skills that can clamp down on a Lakers squad missing key offensive firepower like Luka Dončić and (until recently) Austin Reaves.
NBA: LeBron unfazed as Lakers drop another clincher vs Rockets
Early in the series, it looked promising for L.A. They leaned on LeBron James’ smart playmaking in the post, solid contributions from role players hitting shots, and a defense that stifled Houston’s offense well below its usual efficiency. But that 3-0 advantage had some cracks underneath, and now, after the Rockets fought back with two straight wins to force Game 6 in Houston, the Lakers appear less dominant.
Licensable picture: NBA Playoff: Los Angeles Lakers vs Houston Rockets in Los Angeles | Reuters Connect
Lakers 98, Rockets 78 L.A. leads series 4-2
“As much as we got to defend, you also got to score in this game, too,” James said after Game 5. “I don’t think we did that at a good rate.”
The numbers back that up. The Lakers weren’t lighting it up offensively even in the first three games, posting just 112.4 points per 100 possessions in non-garbage time — a below-average mark. But in Games 4 and 5, that dropped sharply to 102.3, putting them in real offensive trouble.
Houston’s coach has adjusted by using more small-ball and switching schemes, using the team’s length and speed to clog driving lanes and limit easy opportunities. The Lakers have also struggled with turnovers, coughing up the ball 39 times in those two games alone, many of them live-ball mistakes that Houston turned into easy points.
Shooting has been another big issue. After starting hot from three-point range at 46.1 percent, the Lakers cooled off dramatically, hitting just 24.5 percent in the last two contests. They’re not taking a ton of threes overall, which fits their regular-season style, but they need to convert the chances they create.
The Rockets have ramped up their defense effectively. Amen Thompson has locked down shooters like Luke Kennard, while Jabari Smith Jr.’s length has disrupted Marcus Smart’s looks. Houston players emphasized staying mentally sharp, closing out on shots, and sticking to the game plan — and it’s paying off.
These recent games rank among the Lakers’ worst half-court offensive outings of the year, marking the first time all season they’ve been held under 100 points in back-to-back games.
The big question now is whether L.A. can flip the script in Game 6. They’ll rely on Austin Reaves shaking off rust to spark the attack, Deandre Ayton’s strong play in the paint, and LeBron’s vast playoff experience to finish off a desperate opponent. But concerns remain: cold shooting from key guys, limited prep time, and the absence of Dončić for the foreseeable future.
The Lakers knew this would be a grind, and it has lived up to that billing. Now it’s time to see if they can deliver in a hostile environment and wrap up the series.