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Rockets Upset Lakers 99-93, End LeBron’s Streak

5/2/2026

Summary

LeBron Ends Streak

The Lakers lost 99-93 to Rockets in Game 5, ending LeBron James (Lakers forward)’s 18-year streak.
James posted 34 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, shooting 8-of-21.
Austin Reaves (Lakers guard) returned from injury, while Rockets played without Kevin Durant (Rockets forward), ruled out for Game 6.
Prediction markets gave the Lakers a 73% chance and the Rockets a 27% chance, with contract on Rockets earning 3.25% interest reflecting underdog status down 3-2.

Summary

Rockets Eye Comeback

A Rockets win in Game 6 would be the first NBA team ever to overcome a 0-3 series deficit.
The Rockets became the 16th team to force a Game 6 after trailing 0-3.
The five teams that previously forced Game 7—the 1951 Knicks, 1994 Nuggets, 2003 Trail Blazers and 2023 Celtics—all lost the series.
In Game 5, Houston recorded 17 steals, forced 23 turnovers and limited Los Angeles to a series-low 93 points.

Summary

Houston Dominates

East African fans are expected to push first-round viewership to record levels as Game 6 draws massive TV audiences.
Houston’s comeback gives Oklahoma City Thunder extra rest after sweeping Phoenix while they await the series winner.
Coach Ime Udoka praised his young squad’s growth and battle-tested effort but called Game 5 turnovers horrendous mistakes.
Houston outscored Los Angeles 24-8 while the Lakers shot just 28 % from three in the second half.

History

Historical Context

In 1951 the New York Knicks became the first NBA team to push a 3-0 series deficit to a Game 7, a feat only four of 159 teams (~3%) have ever achieved, all ultimately losing. The Houston Rockets, now missing Kevin Durant and led by Ime Udoka, are chasing that rare comeback against the Los Angeles Lakers, who saw LeBron James score 34 points in a 99-93 loss.

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LeBron Ends Streak

The Lakers lost 99-93 to Rockets in Game 5, ending LeBron James (Lakers forward)’s 18-year streak.
James posted 34 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, shooting 8-of-21.
Austin Reaves (Lakers guard) returned from injury, while Rockets played without Kevin Durant (Rockets forward), ruled out for Game 6.
Prediction markets gave the Lakers a 73% chance and the Rockets a 27% chance, with contract on Rockets earning 3.25% interest reflecting underdog status down 3-2.

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