Jeff HauserThu, April 30, 2026 at 1:30 AM UTC·3 min readRockets vs. Lakers Game 5 live score, updates, highlights from 2026 NBA playoffs first-round series originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
As LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers move closer to advancing to the next round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, there's still the goal of one game at a time. The NBA great knows nothing is guaranteed in his 23rd season, but this time around it seems different.
Los Angeles can take the series in five on Wednesday. The Rockets defeated the Lakers 115-96 on Monday night. Amen Thompson led Houston with 23 points to shift the series back to the City of Angels.
In a rare moment, James was asked about the long-standing GOAT debate with Michael Jordan. While the two are considered as the Mount Rushmore of the NBA, is there a comparison? The King doesn't believe so.
"I hope I made him proud at least, wearing that No. 23," James told ESPN's Dave McMenamin this week. "I never have compared myself to MJ because our games are totally different. I have been a point-forward/forward-point my whole life. I have always looked for the pass. MJ kind of looked for the shot. Not kind of, he did. He looked for the shot."
James is playing with a "second wind" after the Lakers took a 3-1 lead in the series over the Houston Rockets. The No. 4 vs. No. 5 matchup hasn't lived up to expectations in the Western Conference First Round series. No Luka Doncic, but James is shooting 51.5% and averaging 20.9 points for the Lakers.
On the other end, Kevin Durant has been dealing with a bone bruise that has sidelined him for 2-3 weeks, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The Rockets are still without him in Game 5, which tilts the series towards the Lakers. The Rockets look to stave off elimination on the road. Houston is 29-23 in West play and ranks second, scoring 53.0 points per game in the paint.
NBA PLAYOFFS HQ: Live scores | Full schedule | Updated bracket
Kevin Durant is out for Game 5 against the Lakers, the team announced.Durant missed the past two games because of a sprained left ankle and bone bruise. pic.twitter.com/71AH76bRLN
Austin Reaves arrives ahead of Game 5 vs. the Rockets. He's a gametime decision to return 👀Watch Rockets-Lakers at 10 ET on ESPN and the ESPN App 🍿 pic.twitter.com/oZ0qd3BehI
Lakers vs. Rockets Game 5 will be broadcast by ABC on ESPN and will stream live on the ESPN app.
Now you can watch ESPN without cable. Stream live NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, college sports, plus SportsCenter, First Take, and all your favorite ESPN shows—anytime, anywhere—only in the ESPN app.
Raptors vs. Cavaliers Game 5 live score, updates and highlights
Pistons vs. Magic Game 5 live score, updates and highlights
Warriors linked to blockbuster Kevin Durant trade after playoffs
Is Austin Reaves playing for Lakers tonight vs. Rockets?
Is Luka Doncic playing for Lakers tonight vs. Rockets?