Despite being down against the Los Angeles Lakers in the round-one series of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, Houston Rockets standout Jabari Smith Jr. was quite confident in his team matching up against the Lakers still.
Some comments from the veteran went viral recently, sparking an eventual response from LeBron James.
âWe’re obviously the better team, I feel like. So just knowing that and being confident, trust in our work, and just be us. I just feel like from top to bottom, you can say that’s an opinion, I’m biased, I just feel like we’re the better team,” said Smith.
Of course, trailing or up, no player would admit that an opponent is flat-out better than them. The Rockets could say that the Lakers have played better, which they did to gain a 3-0 lead in the series, but Houston just needed to steal some of the momentum. Now that they have it, Smith’s comments don’t look off-base.
On the other side, how does somebody like LeBron James feel hearing that?
LeBron James Responds To Jabari Smith’s Claim
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – APRIL 24: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers gestures during the pregame ritual prior to the first quarter of the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on April 24, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
“I don’t care about s*** like that, bro,” James told a reporter.
“The game is won between the four lines. I don’t give a damn who cares. Of course, you say [your team is better]. Why would you say, ‘Oh, we’re not the better team’? Ask one of them young guys that question. I’m too old for that s***.”
The Lakers Come Up Short
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – APRIL 24: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers speaks with the media following the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on April 24, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
Just like that, the Rockets have looked like the better team over the past two games. Without Kevin Durant, the Rockets have brought the series to 3-2.
Heading into Game 6, the urgency is high for both teams. The Rockets are out of cushion. They can’t afford a single loss in the first round. As for the Lakers, they are losing some of their momentum, even after getting a key player in Austin Reaves back.
James had a decent Game 5 performance as he produced 25 points, seven assists, three rebounds, and two steals in 39 minutes of action.
The Lakers couldn’t overcome the Rockets, dropping the game with a 99-93 loss. On Friday, May 1, the Lakers will pay a visit to Houston, Texas, once again.
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