The Los Angeles Lakers failed to close out the Houston Rockets in Game 5 of their first-round series on Wednesday at Crypto.com Arena. The Lakers are still ahead 3-2, but the series now shifts back to Houston for Game 6.
It’s going to be tougher for the Lakers since the Rockets gained more momentum following their 99-93 win. All five starters for Houston scored in double figures, led by Jabari Smith Jr.’s 22 points, seven rebounds and two blocks.
Tari Eason had another huge game filling in for Kevin Durant, finishing with 18 points on 6-for-11 shooting. Alperen Sengun added 14 points, nine rebounds, eight assists and two blocks.
Meanwhile, LeBron James had 25 points, seven assists and two steals for the Lakers. Austin Reaves put up 22 points in his return from oblique injury, though he was just 4-for-16 from the field.
Los Angeles Lakers Get Worrying News About Their Schedule
GettyLeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Houston Rockets on April 29, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
Speaking on Thursday’s episode of Get Up, ESPN analyst and NBA insider Brian Windhorst shared a worrying message for the Lakers. They won’t have an extra day of rest anymore, which was a luxury earlier in the series, especially for a 41-year-old LeBron James.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen, but in this series, there’s been a ton of rest time built in,” Windhorst said. “They’ve had all these extra days. That’s over. One day between last night in Game 6, one day between Game 6 and Game 7. How might that affect LeBron, who has but used the extra days to rest his legs?”
The Lakers and Rockets had an extra day of rest between Game 1 and Game 2, Game 2 and Game 3, and Game 4 and Game 5. That won’t be the case for the next two games, so it’s a definite concern, with the Rockets feeling full of energy.
Alperen Sengun’s Message to the Lakers
GettyAlperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets reacts after being called for a foul against the Los Angeles Lakers.
After the Rockets’ hard-fought win in Game 5, Sengun was full of confidence in saying that they are looking to force Game 7 back in Los Angeles.
Despite the physicality of Wednesday’s contest, Sengun announced that the Rockets are feeling full of energy heading into Game 6 on Friday.
“Everybody is feeling amazing,” Sengun told ESPN’s Malika Andrews. “Nobody is tired. Today everybody showed it. Now, we go out in front of our family and friends (in Game 6), take care of business and come back here for Game 7.”
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Durant has already been ruled out for Game 6. The Rockets have already won two games without KD, and they even have a winning record of 6-2 without him in the regular season and playoffs combined.
Charles Barkley Shares Concern for LeBron James
On the latest episode of Inside The NBA, Charles Barkley shared the same sentiment as Windhorst. Barkley is not rooting for the Lakers, but he expressed concern about the possibility of exhaustion for “The King.”
“LeBron is wearing down,” Barkley said. “I saw all these idiots and fools on television say, ‘Man, LeBron is playing great for a 41-year-old.’ Let me tell you, he played great in Games 1 and 2. When you get older, the longer the series goes, his efficiency is coming down.”
While James is not the typical 41-year-old, not having an extra day of rest will have an effect. It’s just a matter of it will cost the Lakers or help them have a sense of urgency.
Los Angeles Lakers Get Worrying News Ahead of Game 6 vs. Houston Rockets