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LeBron Leads Lakers Past Rockets, Clinches Series

5/3/2026

Summary

LeBron Clinches Series

LeBron James posted 28 points, eight assists and seven rebounds as the Lakers beat the Rockets 98-78 in Game 6, clinching the series.
The victory held Houston to a season-low 78 points and gave Los Angeles its first second-round appearance since 2023.
Coach JJ Redick praised James as “the greatest career of any NBA player” and highlighted the team’s character after being written off weeks earlier.

Summary

Thunder Sweep

The Oklahoma City Thunder entered the second round after a 4-0 sweep of Phoenix Suns, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averaging 33.8 points on 55.1% shooting.
Luka Doncic’s Grade 2 hamstring strain, Austin Reaves’ injury and Jalen Williams’ hamstring strain left the Los Angeles Lakers shorthanded and limited the Thunder’s depth.
Chet Holmgren praised LeBron James’ conditioning and said he will protect the rim as a defender rather than guard James, per Coach JJ Redick.

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LeBron Clinches Series

LeBron James posted 28 points, eight assists and seven rebounds as the Lakers beat the Rockets 98-78 in Game 6, clinching the series.
The victory held Houston to a season-low 78 points and gave Los Angeles its first second-round appearance since 2023.
Coach JJ Redick praised James as “the greatest career of any NBA player” and highlighted the team’s character after being written off weeks earlier.

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