Rockets vs Lakers score, updates, highlights from Game 5
USA Today • • general
Key Points:
- The Houston Rockets won Game 5 against the Los Angeles Lakers 99-93, narrowing the Lakers' series lead to 3-2 in the Western Conference first-round playoffs, with Game 6 scheduled in Houston.
- LeBron James reached a milestone by recording his 500th career playoff steal during the game, maintaining his all-time lead in that category.
- Key players for the Rockets included Jabari Smith Jr., who scored 16 points with five rebounds and three assists, and Tari Eason, who contributed 15 points; the Lakers were led by LeBron James with 14 points and seven assists, and Austin Reaves added 16 points off the bench.
- The Lakers played without Kevin Durant, who was officially out due to injury, while Austin Reaves, initially questionable due to a left oblique strain, was cleared to play in Game 5.
- Predictions favored the Lakers to close out the series despite the Rockets' efforts, with betting odds showing the Lakers as favorites with a -4.5 spread and moneyline odds of -185.
