On Friday night, the Los Angeles Lakers are playing the Houston Rockets (in Texas) for Game 6 of their first-round playoff series.
A victory (for the Lakers) on Friday would end the series.
LeBron James had 20 points, three rebounds and five assists while shooting 8/16 from the field and 2/5 from three-point range in his first 23 minutes of playing time.
Jovan Buha wrote: “Halftime: Lakers 49, Rockets 31 After trailing 16-11 midway through 1Q, LA has outscored HOU 38-15. Their defense has been suffocating. Offensively, they’re taking care of the ball and dominating the offensive glass. LeBron has 18/3/5 — he’s been amazing. Rui has 10 points.”
After trailing 16-11 midway through 1Q, LA has outscored HOU 38-15. Their defense has been suffocating. Offensively, they’re taking care of the ball and dominating the offensive glass. LeBron has 18/3/5 — he’s been amazing. Rui has 10 points.
UPDATE: The Lakers won by a score of 98-78.
Lakers Star LeBron James Made History
GettyLeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers throws chalk prior to Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on May 01, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
James also made history.
Real App wrote: “LeBron James is the fastest Laker since Shaq to reach 1,500 playoff points with the team.”
James is in his 23rd season (at 41-years-old).
That said, he still finished the regular season with averages of 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists and 1.2 steals per contest while shooting 51.5% from the field and 31.7% from three-point range in 60 games.
Ryan Ward of Lakers OnSI wrote: “Per Lakers: With his 11th point tonight at Houston, LeBron James reached 1,500 playoff points as a Laker, becoming the 13th player in franchise history to do so.”
GettyLeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Houston Rockets during the first period in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 01, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
James is in his eighth year playing for the Lakers.
After winning the 2020 title (and reaching the 2023 Western Conference finals), they are coming off two seasons where they lost in the first round.
This summer, James will be a free agent.
Real App added: “LeBron reached 1,500 playoff points with the Lakers faster than Kobe, Wilt, & Magic.”
What’s Next For The Lakers
GettyLeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the first quarter of the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on April 24, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
If the Lakers lose on Friday, they will head home to host the Rockets for Game 7 on Sunday.
Whoever wins the series will face off against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round.
The Thunder swept the Phoenix Suns in the first round (and are coming off a season where they won their first title).
Los Angeles Lakers Star LeBron James Made History In Rockets Game 6