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DALLAS, TEXAS - JANUARY 07: Referee Scott Foster #48 looks on during the second quarter of the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Center on January 07, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.

The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing for Game 6 of their first-round series against the Houston Rockets in the 2026 NBA Playoffs, a matchup that could decide whether they advance or face a winner-take-all Game 7.

While the Lakers have dropped the past two games to the Rockets, with Austin Reaves returning from injury and Los Angeles looking like the more dominant team throughout the series, there is still hope for them to advance, even though they very well could be on the verge of blowing a historic 3-0 series lead.

However, leading up to the crucial Game 6, the Lakers got some bad news that might not bode well for their chances in the potential close-out matchup.

Lakers Get Bad News As Scott Foster ‘The Extender’ Named Referee For Game 6

Before Game 6, the NBA announced the three officials who would be refereeing the Friday night contest.

Of those include Scott Foster as the crew chief, Curtis Blair as a referee, and Karl Lane as the umpire.

Foster is the most notable name on that list, as aside from his involvement in a previous NBA gambling scandal, he has gained recognition as being known as ‘The Extender’ for his apparent knack for helping out teams trailing in the playoffs, and subsequently, extending the series.

Through his referee history, playoff games in which Foster is officiating see the trailing team win anywhere from 47%-49% of the time, which is a bit above league average. Additionally, the Rockets have a 4-1 record when Foster has been a referee for their games this season. While the Lakers are 4-1 in Foster games, they have a much worse defensive rating and opponent scoring average in those games.

Based on his history, Foster is also known for making more foul calls than average, as, along with ‘extending’ the series, games that feature him tend to take longer in general.

It remains to be seen whether Foster will have an impact on the outcome of the Lakers vs. Rockets Game 6, but based on his past performances, the Houston team could have a slight advantage as the team is currently trailing.

Lakers Face Must-Win Game 6 Without Luka Doncic

While the Lakers saw Reaves make his injury return, they are currently without franchise star Luka Doncic, as he is expected to miss the rest of the series, even if the Rockets can force a Game 7.

The Lakers are currently trending on the wrong end of history, as teams are previously 160-0 when holding a 3-0 playoff series lead. They have since lost the last two matchups, and if the Rockets can win Game 6, they’ll have the momentum and likely confidence to take the series.

Los Angeles dropped the past two games after their shooting fell off a cliff and their turnover number skyrocketed. Despite getting Reaves back, he had a poor shooting night in Game 5, and they weren’t able to close out the series at home.

If the previous matchup wasn’t a must-win, Game 6 certainly is, even though the Lakers would be going back home for a potential Game 7.

If it does come to a final game, former NBA player DeMarcus Cousins didn’t rule out the idea of the Lakers bringing back Doncic in hopes of saving their season, regardless of where he’s at in his recovery process.

“I believe the Lakers think they can win this series without (Luka Doncic),” he said. “(But) if it goes to Game 7, they reconsider everything. Obviously you need your star guy out there.”

For now, that remains to be seen. But the Lakers have a crucial game ahead, one that will see ‘The Extender‘ in Foster potentially controlling their future.

Lakers vs Rockets Game 6 tips off on Friday, May 1, at 6:30 pm PST and will be live on Amazon Prime Video.