Will Lakers blow 3-0 NBA playoff lead? Pressure's on LA after another loss
The Los Angeles Lakers lost 99-93 to the Houston Rockets in Game 5 of the Western Conference first-round series, with the Rockets scoring 18 points off turnovers. The Lakers' Austin Reaves returned from a nine-game absence with 22 points and six assists.
The Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Houston Rockets 99-93 in Game 5 of the Western Conference first-round series on April 29. The Rockets scored 18 points off the Lakers' 15 turnovers, with Marcus Smart responsible for six. The Lakers had built a 3-0 lead in the series but the Rockets won two straight games to close the gap. Austin Reaves returned from a nine-game absence due to a left oblique muscle strain, scoring 22 points and providing six assists off the bench. The Lakers struggled in the second half, allowing the Rockets to build a 13-point lead. LeBron James attempted to rally the team in the final minutes, but the Rockets held on to win. The Lakers will play next to try and clinch the series, with history on their side as teams with LeBron James have won 24 consecutive series when taking a 2-0 lead.
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