LeBron James scored 28 points as the Lakers defeated the Rockets 98-78.

May 3rd - The Lakers defeated the Rockets 98-78. LeBron James contributed 28 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists, while Rui Hachimura added 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists. For the Rockets, Klay Thompson had 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists, and Shin Kyung-won had 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 1 assist.

In the first quarter, the Rockets took an early lead thanks to Ethan and Shin Kyung. However, James' consecutive drives and assists ignited the Lakers' offense, while Rui Hachimura scored from beyond the arc and mid-range jumpers, helping the Lakers gradually take the lead. At the end of the first quarter, the Lakers led 23-18. In the second quarter, James scored both inside and outside, frequently assisting his teammates to score, and the Lakers quickly widened the gap to over 18 points. At halftime, the Lakers led 49-31.

After switching sides, the Rockets relied on Shen Jing and Thompson to score both inside and outside, but Rui Hachimura hit consecutive three-pointers to stabilize the situation. Reeves and James took turns scoring, and the Lakers maintained a double-digit lead. At the end of the third quarter, the Lakers still led 71-55 . In the final quarter, Hachimura hit a three-pointer to start the quarter, and James and Ayton continued to attack the paint, extending the lead to as much as 26 points. Ultimately, the Lakers defeated the Rockets 98-78.

Lakers player statistics

James had 28 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists; Hachimura had 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists; Reeves had 15 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists; Ayton had 7 points, 16 rebounds, and 1 assist; Smart had 7 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 assist; La Lavia had 7 points and 5 rebounds; Hayes had 5 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist; Kennard had 3 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists; Smith had 3 points.

Rockets player statistics

Thompson 18 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists; Shen Jing 17 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist; Ethan 14 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists; Shepard 10 points, 1 assist; Smith 9 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists; Okogie 3 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist; Tate 3 points, 3 rebounds; Holiday 2 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists; Capela 2 points, 1 rebound.

Image source: Internet