Rockets hold off Lakers to force Game 6 after falling behind 3-0 in series

The Houston Rockets defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 99-93 in Game 5 on April 30, 2026, forcing a Game 6 in their NBA playoff series after trailing 3-0. Jabari Smith Jr. led Houston with 22 points on 6-of-13 shooting, with all other starters also scoring in double digits. No NBA team has ever overcome a 3-0 series deficit, but the Rockets will attempt another step toward that historic feat on Friday.