Lakers: everything we know so far

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 New Zealand.

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.
• 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.
• Alperen Sengun nears triple-double as Rockets avoid elimination in Los Angeles.
• The hosts appeared to take control early, mounting an 11-point lead late in the first quarter.
• 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.

What we know

Going deeper, 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.

On the substance, Alperen Sengun nears triple-double as Rockets avoid elimination in Los Angeles.

Beyond the headlines, the hosts appeared to take control early, mounting an 11-point lead late in the first quarter.

More precisely, 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.

It is worth noting that after their second straight win, the series heads back to Texas for Game 6 on Friday.

By the numbers

At this stage, 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.

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.

The wider context

On a related note, However, the first half proved to be a volatile affair featuring five lead changes and three ties before the Rockets seized command and maintained the lead throughout the second half, often holding a double-digit cushion.

Going deeper, However, Swiss backup center Clint Capela stayed on the bench.

On the substance, On the wrong side, the absence of Slovenian superstar Luka Doncic, who has been sidelined since suffering a left hamstring strain in early April, continued to loom large.

Beyond the headlines, German forward Maxi Kleber remained out of the rotation.

More precisely, Eastern Conference and Western Conference champions.

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.
• The hosts appeared to take control early, mounting an 11-point lead late in the first quarter.
• 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.
• Searches spiking right now: Rockets vs. Lakers (Apr 29, 2026) Live Score, LeBron James, Marcus Smart know the Lakers need to ‘play desperate’ in Game 6, ‘We’re warriors’: Led by Ime Udoka, Rockets fight back from 3-0 hole vs. Lakers, Lakers vs Rockets picks and predictions for Game 6: Trade NBA markets on Kalshi.