Lakers fall to Rockets in Game 5 despite Austin Reaves’ return
The Lakers lost 99-93 to the Rockets in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series, despite Austin Reaves returning from a left oblique strain. Reaves scored 22 points but struggled with his shooting, going 4-of-16 from the field, while LeBron James led the Lakers with 25 points. The Rockets, led by Jabari Smith's 22 points, made seven more three-pointers than the Lakers and forced a Game 6.
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NBA Lakers fall to Rockets in Game 5 despite Austin Reaves’ return By Khobi Price Published April 30, 2026, 12:56 a.m. ET The Lakers’ mission was to take the Rockets’ postseason life away. But the Rockets are still breathing. And very much alive and confident after beating the Lakers 99-93 on the Lakers homecourt in a pivotal Game 5 to extend the best-of-seven first round playoff series by at least one game. Even with star guard Austin Reaves making his return to the lineup after being sidelined since April because of a left oblique strain, the Lakers once again struggled offensively for the second consecutive – and 2 ½ games going back to the miraculous Game 3 comeback victory in Houston. 6 Austin Reaves drives to the basket against the Rockets.
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