Los Angeles Lakers: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Lakers Vs. Thunder Series Schedule And Dates For Playoff Games

The Los Angeles Lakers have fought their way to the second round of the NBA playoffs by blowing out the Houston Rockets in Game 6. L.A. took a commanding 3-0 series lead against Houston, but allowed them to make things interesting by winning two straight.

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LeBron James, Lakers defense shut down and bounce Rockets

The Lakers did not light it up. They did not need to. They shut it down instead. The Lakers smothered the Rockets 98-78 in Game 6, closing out the first-round series behind a defense that never really let Houston breathe.

Los Angeles Lakers News / Athlon Sports / May 2

JJ Redick Names Player Who’s Had ‘Greatest Career’ in NBA History

LeBron James carried the Los Angeles Lakers past the Houston Rockets in the first-round of the 2026 NBA playoffs. On Friday, James' 28-point game gave the Lakers enough in Game 6 to lead them to the Western Conference semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

NBA News / Silver Screen & Roll / May 2

3 takeaways from Lakers’ series clinching Game 6 win vs. Rockets

There will be no Game 7. After dropping consecutive closeout games that simultaneously put the series in jeopardy and gave the Rockets real momentum, the Lakers took care of business in Game 6, dominating the Rockets and leaving no doubt on who the better team was with a 98-78 victory.

Cade Cunningham News / Yardbarker Quizzes

The 'Playoff scoring record by team' quiz

How many of the players who scored the most points in a playoff game for every NBA franchise can you name in five minutes?

The 'Multi-time NBA MVPs' quiz

The 'Most 30-point playoff games by team' quiz

The '3 3's-per-game NBA seasons' quiz

NBA News / Field Level Media / May 2

NBA roundup: Lakers end Rockets' comeback dreams, win series in 6

LeBron James scored 18 of his 28 points in a runaway first half for the visiting Los Angeles Lakers, who cruised to a 98-78 victory over the Houston Rockets on Friday and claimed their Western Conference first-round playoff series in six games.

NBA News / Yardbarker

The 25 greatest playoff games in NBA history

In the NBA, it's all about showing up and showing out in the posteason. With that in mind, here are the 25 greatest NBA playoff games of all time.

NBA News / Yardbarker / May 2

Rockets' regular-season strategy falls apart again in playoffs

After an embarrassing home blowout ended their playoff dreams, the Rockets' once-bright future is looking very cloudy.

Lakers romp past Rockets, seal series in 6, set date with Thunder

Latest update on Luka Doncic doesn't sound good for Lakers

Raptors stay alive on RJ Barrett's physics-defying game-winning three

Pistons force Game 7 with historic comeback against Magic

Magic had the worst playoff half in NBA history in Game 6 loss

What Magic can learn from their collapse in Game 6 vs. Pistons

The 'Most points in an NBA Cup game' quiz

Los Angeles Lakers News / Silver Screen & Roll / May 2

Here’s the schedule for the Lakers vs. Thunder playoff series

After a hard-fought series against the Rockets, the Lakers will move into the second round against an even more daunting opponent in the Thunder. The cream of the crop for the entire season, Oklahoma City’s sweep of the Suns in the first round means the Thunder have been patiently waiting for their next foe.

Los Angeles Lakers News / Larry Brown Sports / May 2

Latest update on Luka Doncic doesn't sound good for Lakers

Luka Doncic does not appear to be anywhere close to returning for the Los Angeles Lakers this postseason.

Did Draymond Green predict LeBron James' retirement out of self-interest?

The 'Active 30-point triple-doubles' quiz

Bronny James News / Bleacher Report / May 2

Watch: Luka was trying to watch the play

LeBron James News / Yardbarker

The 25 defining moments of LeBron James' career

LeBron's career can't go on forever, can it? If it were to end tomorrow, it would be the greatest run of sustained excellence the league has ever seen.

NBA News / Silver Screen & Roll / May 2

Lakers to play Thunder in second round

After taking care of the Rockets in six games, the Lakers will move to the second round for a matchup against the league’s best team in the Thunder. The series will start on Tuesday, May 5.

NBA News / Athlon Sports / May 2

Lakers-Thunder: Schedule Released for NBA Playoffs Series

The Los Angeles Lakers have punched their ticket to the second round of the NBA playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Lakers took care of business on Friday night with a big win over the Houston Rockets on the road.

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The 'Playoff scoring record by team' quiz

The 'Active 20-PPG NBA seasons' quiz

The 'Most 3's in a playoff game by team' quiz

The 'Season triple-double leaders by team' quiz

NBA News / Silver Screen & Roll / May 2

Lakers eliminate Rockets, advance to second round

After a couple of losses, the Lakers finally finished off the Rockets, beating them 98-78 in Game 6 to advance to the second round. Los Angeles went on

NBA News / Lakers Nation / May 2

Lakers Close Out Rockets With Game 6 Win On Road

After jumping out to a 3-0 series lead, the Los Angeles Lakers failed to close out the Houston Rockets in Games 4 and 5. They got another opportunity on Friday night as the series shifted back to Toyota Center for Game 6.

Austin Reaves News / Athlon Sports / May 1

Lakers Share Austin Reaves Update Ahead of Game 6

The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to finish the job and advance to the Western Conference semifinals and face the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, they still have to take care of the Houston Rockets and eliminate them in Game 6 on Friday.

Rich Paul News / Los Angeles Lakers on SI / May 1

Rich Paul Shares Blunt Take on LeBron's Legacy as Lakers Risk Historic Playoff Collapse

The Los Angeles Lakers are getting dangerously close to being on the wrong side of NBA history, with LeBron James and company losing their grip on their first-round playoff series with the Houston Rockets.

Marcus Smart News / Los Angeles Lakers on SI / May 1

Lakers’ Marcus Smart Gets Real About What Must Change Before Game 6

After winning the first three games of their first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets, the Los Angeles Lakers have now lost two straight, letting Alperen Sengun and company climb back into it with the chance to make NBA history if they can win the next two games.

Los Angeles Lakers News / Yardbarker / May 1

Kendrick Perkins calls out LeBron James in playoff prediction

Kendrick Perkins calls out Lakers' LeBron James in suprising playoff prediction

LeBron James is the self-proclaimed king, but can he help the Los Angeles Lakers pull off a Game 6 win in their playoff series against the Houston Rockets?

Lakers are playing with fire as they head into Game 6 vs. Rockets

Did Draymond Green predict LeBron James' retirement out of self-interest?

Skip Bayless calls LeBron James' GOAT case 'laughable'

The 'Most NBA games played' quiz