Lakers close out Rockets in Game 6 rout, face Thunder next
ESPN • • sports
Key Points:
- LeBron James led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 98-78 Game 6 victory over the Houston Rockets, clinching their first-round playoff series with 28 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds.
- At 41 years old, James became the oldest player in NBA history to lead all players in total points scored in a playoff series, tallying 139 points.
- Lakers coach JJ Redick praised James' greatness, calling him the greatest NBA player ever, while James reflected on appreciating small victories late in his career.
- The Lakers' defense, anchored by Deandre Ayton and contributions from Marcus Smart and Austin Reaves, was key to holding the Rockets to just 35% shooting and ending Houston's season.
- The Lakers will face the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals, a challenging matchup given the Thunder swept the Lakers in the regular season by an average of 29.3 points.
