Lakers: the business angle
Facing an exit from the 2026 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google, for a second straight contest versus the Los Angeles Lakers, the Houston Rockets and 23-year-old Alperen Sengun extend their season to a Game 6.
ISRAEL —
Facing an exit from the 2026 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google, for a second straight contest versus the Los Angeles Lakers, the Houston Rockets and 23-year-old Alperen Sengun extend their season to a Game 6. Lakers has emerged this Friday as one of the stories drawing attention in Israel.
Key facts
- Facing an exit from the 2026 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google, for a second straight contest versus the Los Angeles Lakers, the Houston Rockets and 23-year-old Alperen Sengun extend their season to a Game 6.
- With emotions peaking, tempers flared in the fourth quarter of Game 5, which the Rockets won 99-93, trimming the Lakers’ series lead to 3-2.
- The Houston Rockets staved off elimination once more on Wednesday night, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 99–93 at crypto.com Arena to pull within 3-2 in their best-of-seven for the opening round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google.
- Since the Houston Rockets mounted a gritty comeback in the series, the Los Angeles Lakers are on edge.
- What looked like a potential Lakers sweep after jumping to a 3-0 lead is now a high-stakes dogfight.
What we know
Going deeper, With emotions peaking, tempers flared in the fourth quarter of Game 5, which the Rockets won 99-93, trimming the Lakers’ series lead to 3-2.
On the substance, the Houston Rockets staved off elimination once more on Wednesday night, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 99–93 at crypto.com Arena to pull within 3-2 in their best-of-seven for the opening round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google.
Beyond the headlines, since the Houston Rockets mounted a gritty comeback in the series, the Los Angeles Lakers are on edge.
More precisely, what looked like a potential Lakers sweep after jumping to a 3-0 lead is now a high-stakes dogfight.
It is worth noting that Alperen Sengun nears triple-double as Rockets avoid elimination in Los Angeles.
By the numbers
At this stage, the hosts appeared to take control early, mounting an 11-point lead late in the first quarter.
On a related note, a late rally and five straight points from LeBron James trimmed the deficit to just three points with three minutes remaining, but Ime Udoka’s squad narrowly held on in the closing moments to extend their 2025-26 journey.
Going deeper, after their second straight win, the series heads back to Texas for Game 6 on Friday.
On the substance, Turkish starting center Alperen Sengun flirted with a triple-double in Game 5, registering 14 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, alongside two steals and a block in 43 minutes of action.
What they're saying
“Mark Cuban Might Have Jumped in Front of a Train”: Jeanie Buss Explains Luka Doncic Trade Secrecy.
“Let’s Start Thinking About Sophie Now”: Fever’s Contract Decision Around Caitlin Clark Draws Opinions Across The WNBA World.
The wider context
On a related note, In contrast, Austin Reaves returned with 22 points in 34 minutes off the bench.
Going deeper, Oklahoma City Thunder – Phoenix Suns 4-0 (119-84, 120-107, 121-109, 131-122) 2.
On the substance, Alperen Sengun meant it when he claimed there’s no deference when it comes to LeBron James.
Beyond the headlines, In fact, it’s a burgeoning rivalry across two different generations.
More precisely, the animosity between Bron and Sengun just got a whole lot spicier, and it’s the kind of generational fire that makes NBA playoffs must-watch TV.
The bottom line
- The Houston Rockets staved off elimination once more on Wednesday night, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 99–93 at crypto.com Arena to pull within 3-2 in their best-of-seven for the opening round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google.
- Since the Houston Rockets mounted a gritty comeback in the series, the Los Angeles Lakers are on edge.
- What looked like a potential Lakers sweep after jumping to a 3-0 lead is now a high-stakes dogfight.
- Searches spiking right now: בגיל 41, לברון ג'יימס שוב לוקח קבוצה על הגב, יוסטון מפתיעה את לוס אנג’לס מחוץ לבית ומצמצמת פיגור בסדרה המכרעת של הליגה, "לא ציפינו שיוכל לשחק": ההצגה של לברון ג`יימס, גם לברון נדהם: משום מקום - הגיבור המפתיע של הלייקרס.
