LeBron James and the LA Lakers lost Game 5 99-93 to the Houston Rockets on Wednesday. In front of an excited home crowd, the Lakers couldn’t complete a late, blistering rally to send the series to Houston for Game 6 on Friday.
A fan reacted to the Lakers’ loss:
“LeBron going to be the first player ever to blow a 3-0 lead.”
Another fan added:
“Will LeBron do everyone a favor and just retire?”
One more fan continued:
“Choking this series away.”
Another fan commented:
“LeDiddy can’t shoot worth a damn.”
One fan tweeted:
“LeBron James choked in crunch time.”
Despite Austin Reaves’ return, the Lakers couldn’t close out the Rockets at home. Reaves, who suffered a Grade 2 oblique injury in his team’s 139-96 loss to the OKC Thunder on April 2, had a decent showing. He had 22 points, six assists and four rebounds, but the Lakers couldn’t summon another end-game miracle to end the series.
According to the NBA, the Rockets became just the 16th team in league history to force a Game 6 after trailing 0-3. A win by Houston will make it just the fifth team to extend a series to the full route after losing the first three games. Teams that held a 3-0 lead are 159-0 in the playoffs.
LeBron James had a sizzling start in Game 5, dropping 17 of his 25 points in the first half, but the Lakers still trailed 47-51. LA’s 15 turnovers, which resulted in 18 points for the Rockets, were the biggest reason for their struggles. Houston also held a 13-6 advantage in offensive rebounds, another area that caused the home team’s downfall.
James has not lost a series after leading 2-0. It remains to be seen if the Rockets can make history and put a blemish on the legendary player’s record.
LeBron James Committed Costly Late Turnover in Game 5 Against Rockets
Alperen Sengun’s mid-range jumper with 5:59 left pushed the Houston Rockets’ lead to 87-74. LeBron James had six points, two rebounds and one assist in the LA Lakers’ 11-1 response that made the score 88-85.
Rockets guard Reed Sheppard hit a jumper to end the Lakers’ momentum and give Houston more breathing room. In the next possession, Sheppard ripped the ball away from James for a breakaway dunk with 2:20 left.
LeBron James refused to quit, scoring another layup against Alperen Sengun. LA stayed within striking distance, but the visitors made key baskets and stops to leave L.A. with a win.
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