LAKERS ADVANCE TO WEST SEMIS, SET SHOWDOWN WITH THUNDER

LAKERS ADVANCE TO WEST SEMIS, SET SHOWDOWN WITH THUNDER

The Los Angeles Lakers secured a 98-78 victory over the Houston Rockets in Game 6, advancing to the second round of the playoffs. LeBron James led the way with a game-high 28 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, and a +26 plus-minus, marking his 22nd career road series-clinching win, surpassing Derek Fisher and Tim Duncan for the most all-time.

Key contributions came from Rui Hachimura, who added 21 points, hitting five three-pointers and grabbing six rebounds, and Austin Reaves, who contributed 15 points, three rebounds, and three blocks. The Lakers will now face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Semifinals.

For Houston, Amen Thompson recorded 18 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and three blocks, Alperen Sengun tallied 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Tari Eason added 14 points, five rebounds, and three steals. Despite their effort, the Rockets’ season comes to a close, ending in a hard-fought first-round exit.

Source: NBA