The Los Angeles Lakers closed out their first-round series with a 98-78 win over the Houston Rockets in Game 6 on Friday night at Toyota Center.
Los Angeles secured the series 4-2 behind a controlled two-way performance that limited Houston’s offensive rhythm.
LeBron James led the way with 28 points, eight assists and seven rebounds in 37 minutes, setting the tempo in both half-court execution and transition.
The veteran forward shot 10-for-25 from the field and consistently attacked mismatches, forcing Houston’s defense to collapse.
Rui Hachimura provided critical secondary scoring with 21 points on 8-for-15 shooting, including 5-for-7 from three-point range.
His perimeter efficiency stretched the floor and created driving lanes for the Lakers’ guards.
Austin Reaves added 15 points and three blocks, contributing as a secondary playmaker while helping protect the rim from the guard position.
Deandre Ayton anchored the interior with 16 rebounds, controlling the glass and limiting Houston’s second-chance opportunities.
The Lakers finished with a 54-45 rebounding advantage and held the Rockets to 35% shooting from the field.
Houston struggled to generate consistent offense, shooting just 5-for-28 (17.9%) from beyond the arc.
Amen Thompson led the Rockets with 18 points, while Alperen Sengun recorded 17 points and 11 rebounds but committed four turnovers under pressure.
Reed Sheppard shot 4-for-19 from the field, including 1-for-10 from three, as Los Angeles closed out aggressively on perimeter attempts.
The Lakers established control early, building a 49-31 halftime lead by limiting Houston to 13 points in the second quarter.
Defensive rotations and on-ball pressure disrupted Houston’s spacing, forcing contested shots late in the clock.
Marcus Smart added seven points, seven rebounds and multiple defensive plays, finishing with a +25 plus-minus.
Los Angeles shot 40% from the field and 43% from three-point range, balancing interior scoring with perimeter efficiency.
The bench contributed 20 points, with Jake LaRavia adding seven and Jaxson Hayes providing energy in limited minutes.
Houston, which entered the postseason with a 30-11 home record, could not replicate its regular-season efficiency in the elimination game.
The Lakers, who finished 53-29 in the regular season, now advance to the Western Conference semifinals where they will take on the defending champions Oklahoma City Thunder, who swept the Phoenix Suns in the first round.
