The Los Angeles Lakers delivered a commanding performance, defeating the Houston Rockets 98-78 in Game 6 on Friday night to win their first-round Western Conference playoff series 4-2.

LeBron James paced the Lakers with 28 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists in 37 minutes. Rui Hachimura added 21 points, including five three-pointers, while DeAndre Ayton grabbed 16 rebounds. Austin Reaves, returning from a three-week oblique injury, contributed 15 points in his second game back.

The Lakers seized control early, embarking on a 27-3 run in the first half to build a 48-31 halftime lead. They held the Rockets to 35% shooting from the field and a dismal 5-for-28 from beyond the arc. Los Angeles opened the fourth quarter with a 10-3 spurt, extending the advantage to 81-58 and never looking back.

Amen Thompson led Houston with 18 points and eight rebounds. Alperen Sengun posted 17 points and 11 boards for a double-double, while Tari Eason chipped in 14 points. The Rockets, playing without Kevin Durant for most of the series due to injuries, mounted a comeback from a 0-3 deficit by winning Games 4 and 5 but faltered in the clincher.

The series began with Lakers victories in Games 1 (107-98) and 2 (101-94) at home, followed by a 112-108 overtime thriller in Game 3 in Houston. Houston responded with 115-96 and 99-93 wins to force Game 6.

James averaged 23.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 8.3 assists for the series. Sengun led the Rockets with 20.3 points and 10.2 rebounds per game.

Los Angeles advances to the Western Conference semifinals to face the Oklahoma City Thunder, who swept the Phoenix Suns. Game 1 is scheduled for Tuesday. The Lakers reach the second round for the first time since 2023, navigating injuries to key players like Luka Doncic, who missed the entire series.

Rockets coach Ime Udoka praised his young squad's fight: "We learned from it, we keep fighting, and we keep giving ourselves a chance to play." Lakers coach JJ Redick emphasized ball security: "It's about limiting them. You certainly have to give your guys freedom to make basketball plays."