The Los Angeles Lakers are trying not to be a part of NBA history. They are trying to avoid being the first team in history to blow a 3-0 lead. The Houston Rockets are trying to beat LA at home and get ready for a deciding Game 7.
Los Angeles is starting to get a little healthier. Austin Reaves finally returned in Game 5, playing in his first game of the series. That gives them confidence that they can pull this series out and advance to take on the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round.
Jabari Smith Jr. is confident that the Rockets will be able to win Game 6. He gave the Lakers some bulletin board material ahead of Game 6 in Houston that should give LA some motivation.
GettyLos Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James dribbles the ball in a game against the Rockets. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
Rockets Forward Talks Smack to Lakers Ahead of Game 6
Ahead of the matchup in Game 6, Smith Jr. let everyone know that they will think about Game 7 directly after they win Game 6.
“We won’t even think about Game 7 right now. We’re just thinking about Game 6 tonight. Thinking about doing the things we need to do to win. Put on a show to our fans, represent the city well. We’re not thinking about Game 7. We’ll think about it tonight, when we’ve got to pack our bags. But we’re not thinking about it right now.”
That kind of talk means that Smith Jr. is very confident that the Rockets will be able to beat the Lakers and actually have to pack their bags for a Game 7. Game 7 would be in Los Angeles with all of the pressure on the Lakers, since they were up 3-0 to start the series.
Houston will have to try to win the game without Kevin Durant again, who is still out with an ankle sprain. Meanwhile, the Lakers will still be missing Luka Doncic. Doncic will not be back at any point in this series.
GettyLos Angeles Lakers Austin Reaves dribbles the ball in a game against the Rockets. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Los Angeles is Feeling the Pressure of Game 6
While this comment will certainly give the Lakers some motivation to beat the Rockets and end the series now, they will feel the pressure. Losing this game would be a massive issue for Los Angeles. Playing a Game 7 in this series would be a massive underachievement.
The Lakers might come out playing tight to start this game. Smith Jr. might be counting on that with these comments that he made. He has full faith that Houston’s defense will be able to rise to the occasion, even if the offense has been lacking in the playoffs so far.
Los Angeles has just the 12th-ranked offense out of 16 playoff teams. Adding Reaves back into the fold should help that, but LA scored just 93 points last game with him in the lineup. They have to play a more efficient offensive game if they want Smith Jr. to eat his words.
Jabari Smith Jr. Gives Lakers Bulletin Board Material With Trash Talk Ahead of Game 6