Lakers vs. Rockets Game 6 live score, updates, highlights from 2026 NBA playoffs first-round series originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Los Angeles Lakers hit the road looking to pick up a series win over the Houston Rockets in Game 6 on Friday night.The Rockets defeated the Lakers 99-93 in the last matchup. Jabari Smith Jr. led the Rockets with 22 points, and LeBron James led the all scorers with 25.While James is still going like the EnergizerBunny in Year 23, the NBA superstar has slowed down and is starting to show his age, especially in this series. Nonetheless, he's still playing at a high level, but not up to his previous standards.Los Angeles is 8-3 in games decided by 3 points or fewer.The Rockets are shooting 47.9% from the field this season. They'll be without Kevin Durant once again in Game 6. However, Alperen Sengun is averaging 20.4 points, 8.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists. Amen Thompson has stepped up as well. He's averaging 19.7 points over the last 10 games.NBA PLAYOFFS HQ:Live scores|Full schedule|Updated bracketLakers vs. Rockets live updates, highlights from Game 6 of NBA playoffs1st Quarter- 9:50- Amen Thompson put Rockets up 7-4 early1st Quarter- 11:39- Rockets open the game with a 3-0 leadTip-off from HoustonJabari Smith Jr. says the Rockets will think about Game 7 after tonights gamewhen hes packing his bags to go to LA Were not thinking about Game 7. Well think about it tonight, when weve got to pack our bags. Not now.( @TheRocketsWire ) pic.twitter.com/0J63Ba4O4j NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 1, 2026Injuries: Rockets: Fred VanVleet: out for season (acl), Steven Adams: out for season (ankle), Kevin Durant: out (ankle).Lakers: Luka Doncic: out (hamstring).How to Watch Los Angeles Lakers (3-2) vs. Houston Rockets (2-3) Game 6 NBA PlayoffsFriday, May 1Tip-off: 9:30 p.m. ETTV: Amazon PrimeLA leads the series 3-2More NBA Playoffs news:Victor Wembanyama won't apologize for crying on court after first playoff series win: 'Refuse to carry the burden'Despite Kevin Durants absence, Rockets pull off rare playoff feat only 15 teams have achievedJohn Wall named president of basketball operations at Howard University, returns to Washington, D.C.Lakers' LeBron James goes after Alperen Sengun for 'soft' foul complaint in Game 5 vs. Rockets