Rockets vs. Lakers Game 5 live score, updates, highlights from 2026 NBA playoffs first-round series

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Apr 30, 2026 - 02:37

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Rockets 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.

Rockets vs. Lakers: 2026 NBA Playoffs Game 5 score

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

Rockets vs. Lakers live updates, highlights from Game 5 of NBA playoffs

After a Tip-off in Los Angeles

Delayed start for the game

10:18 p.m. ET Cleveland takes 3-2 series leas with 125-120 win

10:17 p.m. ET Cleveland up 125-120 with 2.4 seconds left. Not sure Toronto has enough time.

10:13 p.m. ET- Cleveland up 125-120 with Toronto inbounding 18 seconds left

10:10 p.m. ET- Cleveland up 124-120 with 22.5 seconds left

10:07 p.m. ET- The Cavs and Raptors game has pushed back the start time for the Rockets and Lakers. There's currently 2:01 left in the 4th quarter with Cleveland up 124-116.

Austin Reaves read to go for the Lakers.

Austin Reaves has been upgraded to available tonight vs. HOU for Game 5, the Lakers say. He’ll play for the first time since April 2, recovering from his Grade 2 left oblique strain one day shy of a month.— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 30, 2026

Reactions from Rockets vs. Lakers Game 5

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— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 29, 2026

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— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 29, 2026

How to Watch Houston Rockets (52-30) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (53-29) Game 5 NBA Playoffs

Wednesday, April 29 10 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Lakers lead series 3-1

Lakers vs. Rockets Game 5 will be broadcast by ABC on ESPN and will stream live on the ESPN app.

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