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Head coach JJ Redick on the approach heading into Game 6

The Los Angeles Lakers are facing mounting pressure in their first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets after dropping back-to-back games. What was once a commanding 3-0 lead has now been trimmed to 3-2, with Game 6 shifting to Houston and momentum leaning toward the home side.

Los Angeles fell 99-93 in Game 5 despite the return of Austin Reaves, who scored 22 points and added six assists. LeBron James led the Lakers with 25 points, including 17 in the second half, while Deandre Ayton contributed 18 points and 17 rebounds. However, turnovers and inconsistent shooting proved costly once again.

Following the loss, Lakers head coach JJ Redick addressed the team’s approach heading into Game 6, emphasizing execution, accountability, and urgency as the series tightens.

JJ Redick Emphasizes Accountability and Execution Before Game 6

Speaking postgame, Redick pointed directly to turnovers and missed opportunities as the key issues that swung Game 5 in Houston’s favor.

“Yeah, again, another period in the second quarter where we just turned the ball over,” Redick said. “Certainly had some long stretches where we didn’t have successive turnovers, but that was part of it.”

He also acknowledged defensive lapses and credited Houston’s shot-making.

“You’ve got to give them a lot of credit. They made shots tonight, including some guys who normally don’t make threes,” Redick said. “I think our defense, you hope 99 is enough to win, and we just couldn’t make shots.”

Redick highlighted the difference between acceptable and costly mistakes, particularly in transition.

“I would say in general, though, turnovers of aggression are okay, turnovers of passivity are not,” he explained. “You certainly have to give your guys freedom to make basketball plays.”

The Lakers committed 15 turnovers in Game 5, leading to 18 points for Houston. That followed a 23-turnover performance in Game 4, a trend Redick indicated must be corrected immediately.

He also pointed to situational awareness as a concern.

“I do think we had two of those turnovers where we get a stop and we throw the ball ahead out of bounds,” Redick said. “Those are the kind of ones that you wish you had back.”

With the series now at 3-2, Redick kept his message direct.

“It’s the first team to win four games in a series,” he said. “We happen to have won the first three. They happen to have won the last two. We’ve got to be better.”

LeBron James and Los Angeles Lakers Face Rising Pressure in Houston

GettyLos Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, and Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart

The Lakers now head into Game 6 needing a response to avoid further extending the series. No team in NBA history has come back from a 3-0 deficit to win a series, but Houston has already forced a sixth game and continues to build confidence.

Alperen Sengun emphasized that mindset after Game 5.

“We put ourselves in a bad position, but we can still make history and come back one game at a time,” Sengun said. “Play at home, come back here, just do the same thing we’re doing.”

Houston has won two straight games despite being without Kevin Durant, relying on balanced scoring and improved defensive execution. Jabari Smith Jr. led the Rockets with 22 points in Game 5, while Tari Eason added 18.

For Los Angeles, the focus remains on regaining offensive rhythm. The team shot 42 percent from the field and just 27 percent from three-point range in Game 5. Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard, key contributors earlier in the series, combined for just 12 points.

Reaves’ return provided a boost, but Redick noted he is still working his way back into rhythm.

“I thought he was aggressive, did a nice job of driving,” Redick said. “You know, he’ll find his rhythm.”

LeBron James, meanwhile, acknowledged the need for a better response after the loss.

“Listen, it’s one game,” James said. “You give credit where credit is due. They played well the last two games, exceptionally well, and we’ve got to answer the call.”

Game 6 now presents a critical test for the Lakers. A win would secure their first playoff series victory since 2023 and send them to the Western Conference semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

A loss would push the series to a decisive Game 7, further increasing the pressure on a team that once appeared in full control.