Lakers Fall in Game 5, Rockets Advance

The Lakers returned home for Game 5 after a 115‑96 defeat, hoping to close out the series with Reaves back from injury. An early 11‑point lead evaporated as Houston took a 51‑47 halftime advantage and extended it to 76‑67 at the break. A late 11‑1 run pulled the Lakers within three, but they couldn't sustain the momentum, and Houston secured the win. Despite outrebounding Houston by seven, the Lakers committed 15 turnovers and shot just 42.1% from the floor, including 25.9% from three. Houston’s Jabari Smith Jr. scored 22 points and Alperen Sengun nearly recorded a triple‑double, while the Rockets’ calm play without Kevin Durant proved decisive. sport-tr.bet