LeBron James Snapped Playoff Closeout Streak With Lakers’ Game 5 Loss To Rockets

Unfortunately, the Lakers were unable to finish off the Rockets, falling 99-93 and must now go back on the road to try and end this series in six games. This is also the first time James has lost a closeout playoff game at home since 2008, during his first stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

That was also a first-round series for James and the Cavaliers, who fell 88-87 at home to the Washington Wizards. While James finished with 34 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, he shot just 8-of-21 from the field. The Wizards were led by former Laker Caron Butler who poured in 32 points, nine rebounds and five assists.

It was undoubtedly an impressive run for James to go that long without failing to end a series at home, and there are some similarities. In Game 5 against the Rockets, James shot 9-of-20 from the field, almost exactly the same as he did back in 2008. He was also facing a team missing their superstar as the Wizards were without Gilbert Arenas and these Rockets are missing Kevin Durant.

If things were to continue on the same road as 2008 then the Lakers should be in for a good night on Friday. James led the Cavaliers to a dominant Game 6 victory, posting a triple-double in the 17-point win. If he can turn back the clock and have a showing anywhere close to that, the Lakers should be able to advance to the second round and put this series behind them.

LeBron James doesn’t care about the Rockets thinking they’re better

Some words have been exchanged between the Rockets and Lakers with Jabari Smith Jr. claiming that Houston is clearly the better team. But James couldn’t care less about words like that and feels like any player should feel that same way about their team.