The Los Angeles Lakers were able to take down the Houston Rockets to advance to the second round of the NBA playoffs, with an impressive performance on the road.

LeBron James scores 28 points as the Lakers hold Houston to a season-low 31 first-half points and cruise to a 98-78 win, closing out the series in their third attempt. Game 1 against Oklahoma City is Tuesday night.

James simply elevated his play like he has so many times over his illustrious 23-year NBA career, playing with a purpose and willing the Lakers to a 98-78 win over the Houston Rockets on Friday night at Toyota Center.

The Lakers were coming off two straight losses at the hands of the Rockets, pushing them halfway to an unprecedented collapse. Game 4 was a one-sided defeat on the road, Game 5 wa

After a four-day wait, the Oklahoma City Thunder have finally learned their Round 2 opponent in the 2026 NBA playoffs. They will face the Los Angeles Lakers. A 98-78 Game 6 win over the Houston Rockets punched their ticket to the final eight teams.

The Lakers live by the 3, the Rockets are felled by bricks, and LeBron James sends yet another opponent home in Game 6. Jeff Zillgitt LeBron James and the Lakers advance to challenge the Thunder in the West semis.

The Lakers eliminated Houston with a 98-78 win in Game 6 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series Friday night by holding the Rockets to a season low in points.

The public got an update Friday on Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić, who is working his back from a Grade 2 left hamstring strain suffered on April 2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder.