SPORTS

Lakers eliminate Rockets in Game Six; LeBron leads

PUBLISHED Apr 30, 2026, 3:36 AM ET

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HOUSTON — The Los Angeles Lakers closed their first-round playoff series with a 98-78 victory over the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center on Friday night, winning the best-of-seven series 4-2. LeBron James scored 28 points with eight assists and seven rebounds as the Lakers secured the Game 6 win that ended Houston's season. Friday's result sends the Lakers into the Western Conference second round, where they will face the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday in Oklahoma City. The Rockets, who had avoided elimination Wednesday with a 99-93 Game 5 win in Los Angeles (Jabari Smith Jr. 22 points), finish the series without Kevin Durant for most games due to injury.

By Lauren Mitchell | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Lakers establish a 3-0 lead early in the first-round series.
Wednesday: Rockets won Game 5 in Los Angeles, 99-93, reducing the series deficit to 3-2.
Friday: Lakers won Game 6 in Houston, 98-78, clinching the series 4-2.
Postgame reports confirmed Kevin Durant missed four of the series' five games due to injury.
Lakers scheduled to face the Thunder in the Western Conference second round on Tuesday.

News Intelligence

The Lakers' victory means a shift in the Western Conference playoffs. If you're a basketball fan, the dynamics of the upcoming games could change. With Kevin Durant's injury, the Rockets' performance was affected. Keep an eye on how teams manage player health.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 4
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 1
Neutral:: 2

Who Benefited

The Los Angeles Lakers benefited most, advancing to the Western Conference second round; LeBron James led the team with 28 points, eight assists and seven rebounds in Game 6.

Who Impacted

The Houston Rockets were eliminated after Game 6, having lost the series 4-2 amid Kevin Durant's absence and registering their lowest playoff scoring output since 2018.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 4
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 1
Neutral:: 2
Distribution:: Left 25%, Center 50%, Right 25%

Who Benefited

The Los Angeles Lakers benefited most, advancing to the Western Conference second round; LeBron James led the team with 28 points, eight assists and seven rebounds in Game 6.

Who Impacted

The Houston Rockets were eliminated after Game 6, having lost the series 4-2 amid Kevin Durant's absence and registering their lowest playoff scoring output since 2018.