On Wednesday night, the Los Angeles Lakers played the Houston Rockets (at home) for Game 5 of their first-round playoff series.
The Lakers lost by a score of 99-93.
LeBron James finished the loss with 25 points, three rebounds, seven assists and two steals while shooting 9/19 from the field and 0/6 from three-point range in 39 minutes of playing time.
The series is still 3-2 in favor of the Lakers (but they have lost two straight).
NBA World Reacts To LeBron James’ Performance
GettyLeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a foul call during the second quarter against the Houston Rockets in Game Five of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 29, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
Here’s what people were saying on social media:
Legion Hoops: “REED SHEPPARD STRIPS LEBRON. OH MAN.”
Skip Bayless: “Rockets continue to play harder than the home team, move with more urgency without the ball, crash the boards. LeBron is dribble-dribble-dribbling too much as teammates watch. Come on, Luka Kennard. AR just might have to close this.”
Dave McMenamin: “Some more playoff history for LeBron James: With his first steal tonight, he reached 500 for his postseason career. He’s in 1st place all-time, followed by Scottie Pippen (395) and Michael Jordan (376)”
@PurpGoldLakers: “Lebron HUMBLED Sengün”
Legion Hoops: “LeBron James just lost his first closeout game at home in 18 years (!!!)⦠Insane.”
@clarkcashes: “LEBRON THIS IS NOT AGGRESSIVE ENOUGH FOR ME.”
Lakers Lead: “lakers are one historic lebron comeback away from being down 3-2”
@HouseLowlights: “LeBron James choked in crunch time.”
@WITNESSKJ: “LeBron and Reaves both got 2 great wide open looks down the stretch here. Just couldnât get them to go down. Tough.”
@LakersDailyCom: “Just put the ball in LeBron’s hands bro”
Lakers Lead: “LEBRON JAMES TONIGHT ð 39 minutes ð 25 points ð 7 assists ð 3 rebounds ð 0/6 3PT HEâS NOT BLOWING A 3-0 LEAD ð”
Michael J. Duarte: “LeBron and the Lakers have been off from three all night. LeBron’s pullup from the top of the key is way short. That’s definitely the ball game now.”
GettyLeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers checks into the game against the Houston Rockets during the third quarter in Game Five of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 29, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
Looking Ahead
GettyLeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the first quarter of the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on April 24, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
The Lakers are the fourth seed after going 53-29 record.
They are 30-14 in 44 games at home this season.
The series will now head back to Houston for Game 6 on Friday night.
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