Rockets Secure Victory Over Lakers in Close Contest
Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 10:00 PM ET · crypto.com Arena
Houston Rockets 99, Los Angeles Lakers 93, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Lakers?
Houston Rockets beat Los Angeles Lakers 99-93 at crypto.com Arena on April 29, 2026.
Who was favored in Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Lakers?
Los Angeles Lakers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -155 (about 61% implied). The underdog won.
In a tightly contested game at the crypto.com Arena, the Houston Rockets triumphed over the Los Angeles Lakers with a final score of 99-93. This victory allowed the Rockets to win the series 2-1 against the Lakers, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure in a crucial playoff matchup.
Both teams entered the game with impressive records, with the Lakers holding a home record of 53-29 and the Rockets close behind at 52-30. The Lakers had been in solid form recently, winning seven of their last ten games, including a three-game winning streak leading into this matchup. They averaged 116.2 points scored and allowed 112.2 points during this stretch. However, their recent performance at home had been slightly less dominant, with a 5-1 record over their last six home games.
On the other hand, the Rockets had been on a remarkable run, winning nine of their last ten games. With a scoring average of 123.6 points and allowing 108.4 points in that span, they were clearly in a high-scoring rhythm. Their away record was particularly impressive, boasting a perfect 4-0 in their last four games on the road.
The previous meetings between these two teams this season had seen the Rockets come out on top in two of their last three encounters, including a significant win on March 19, 2026, where they defeated the Lakers 124-116. The Lakers had won the earlier matchup in the season, but the Rockets had clearly found their stride in recent games against them.
In terms of injuries, the Rockets were dealing with some key players listed as day-to-day, including Kevin Durant and Fred VanVleet, both nursing ankle and knee injuries, respectively, along with Steven Adams, who was also dealing with an ankle issue. Their statuses were uncertain leading into the game, which could have impacted the Rockets' lineup and strategy.
The market had set the odds with DraftKings, favoring the Lakers by 3.5 points, with a total set at 209.5. The moneyline odds reflected the competitive nature of the matchup, with the Lakers at -155 and the Rockets at 130. This indicated a close game expected by the betting market, which ultimately played out as a nail-biter.
As the game progressed, the conditions on the court were conducive to a high-energy performance from both teams. The fourth quarter saw several critical scoring plays, including free throws from Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr., which helped the Rockets maintain their lead. Austin Reaves attempted to rally the Lakers back into the game with a driving layup and subsequent free throws, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit.
Viewers were treated to a display of resilience from the Rockets, who managed to hold off a late surge from the Lakers. The final moments were tense, with both teams exchanging points, but the Rockets ultimately secured their victory, showcasing their depth and ability to execute under pressure. This game not only highlighted the competitive spirit of the playoffs but also set the stage for future encounters between these two talented teams.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | LAL -3.5 | 209.5 o -105 / u -115 | Houston Rockets +130 · Los Angeles Lakers -155 |
Injury report
- Kevin DurantDay-To-DayAnkleHouston Rockets
- Fred VanVleetDay-To-DayKneeHouston Rockets
- Steven AdamsDay-To-DayAnkleHouston Rockets
Leaders
- PointsLeBron James25Los Angeles Lakers
- AssistsLeBron James7Los Angeles Lakers
- ReboundsDeandre Ayton17Los Angeles Lakers
- PointsJabari Smith Jr.22Houston Rockets
- AssistsAlperen Sengun8Houston Rockets
- ReboundsAlperen Sengun9Houston Rockets
Recent form
Los Angeles Lakers
Last 10: 7-3Streak W3116.2 scored · 112.2 allowed per game5-1 at home
- W131-107vs Utah JazzApr 13
- W101-73vs Phoenix SunsApr 11
- W119-103at Golden State WarriorsApr 10
- L87-123vs Oklahoma City ThunderApr 8
- L128-134at Dallas MavericksApr 5
- L96-139at Oklahoma City ThunderApr 3
- W127-113vs Cleveland CavaliersApr 1
- W120-101vs Washington WizardsMar 31
- W116-99vs Brooklyn NetsMar 28
- W137-130at Indiana PacersMar 25
Houston Rockets
Last 10: 9-1Streak W1123.6 scored · 108.4 allowed per game4-0 away
- W132-101vs Memphis GrizzliesApr 13
- L132-136vs Minnesota TimberwolvesApr 11
- W113-102vs Philadelphia 76ersApr 10
- W119-105at Phoenix SunsApr 8
- W117-116at Golden State WarriorsApr 6
- W140-106vs Utah JazzApr 4
- W119-113vs Milwaukee BucksApr 2
- W111-94vs New York KnicksApr 1
- W134-102at New Orleans PelicansMar 29
- W119-109at Memphis GrizzliesMar 28
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Antonio | - | 20 | L1 | .756 | 62 |
| Houston | 10 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| New Orleans | 36 | 56 | L2 | .317 | 26 |
| Dallas | 36 | 56 | W1 | .317 | 26 |
| Memphis | 37 | 57 | L8 | .305 | 25 |
| LA Lakers | - | 29 | W3 | .646 | 53 |
| Phoenix | 8 | 37 | W1 | .549 | 45 |
| LA Clippers | 11 | 40 | W1 | .512 | 42 |
| Golden State | 16 | 45 | L3 | .451 | 37 |
| Sacramento | 31 | 60 | L1 | .268 | 22 |
Box score
| Stat | Houston Rockets | Los Angeles Lakers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 33-75 | 32-76 |
| Field goal % | 44 | 42 |
| Three-pointers | 14-40 | 7-27 |
| Three-point % | 35 | 26 |
| Free throws | 19-25 | 22-27 |
| Free throw % | 76 | 81 |
| Rebounds | 34 | 41 |
| Offensive rebounds | 6 | 13 |
| Defensive rebounds | 28 | 28 |
| Assists | 25 | 19 |
| Steals | 10 | 5 |
| Blocks | 4 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 15 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 13 | 18 |
| Fast-break points | 12 | 10 |
| Points in the paint | 36 | 44 |
| Fouls | 22 | 20 |
| Largest lead | 13 | 11 |
| Lead changes | 5 | 5 |
| Time in front | 67 | 31 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter69-62Alperen Sengun makes 11-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter69-64Deandre Ayton makes driving layup (LeBron James assists)
- 3rd Quarter72-64Aaron Holiday makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jabari Smith Jr. assists)
- 3rd Quarter73-64Alperen Sengun makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter74-64Alperen Sengun makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter74-65Luke Kennard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter76-65Josh Okogie makes 1-foot dunk (Amen Thompson assists)
- 3rd Quarter76-67Jake LaRavia makes 2-foot layup (LeBron James assists)
- 4th Quarter76-68Austin Reaves makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter76-69Austin Reaves makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter79-69Amen Thompson makes 23-foot three point jumper (Reed Sheppard assists)
- 4th Quarter82-69Jabari Smith Jr. makes 26-foot three point jumper (Alperen Sengun assists)
- 4th Quarter82-71LeBron James makes 4-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter83-71Jabari Smith Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter83-73Deandre Ayton makes 5-foot two point shot (Marcus Smart assists)
- 4th Quarter83-74LeBron James makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter84-74Amen Thompson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter85-74Amen Thompson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter87-74Alperen Sengun makes 13-foot two point shot (Reed Sheppard assists)
- 4th Quarter87-75LeBron James makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter87-76LeBron James makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter87-78LeBron James makes running layup
- 4th Quarter87-81Rui Hachimura makes 26-foot running jump shot (Luke Kennard assists)
- 4th Quarter88-81Tari Eason makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter88-83Deandre Ayton makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter88-85LeBron James makes driving layup (Luke Kennard assists)
- 4th Quarter90-85Reed Sheppard makes 15-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter92-85Reed Sheppard makes 3-foot running dunk
- 4th Quarter92-87LeBron James makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter93-87Tari Eason makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter94-87Tari Eason makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter95-87Alperen Sengun makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter96-87Alperen Sengun makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter96-89Austin Reaves makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter96-90Austin Reaves makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter96-91Austin Reaves makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter96-93Deandre Ayton makes tip in dunk
- 4th Quarter97-93Amen Thompson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter98-93Jabari Smith Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter99-93Jabari Smith Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Los Angeles Lakers, below favours Houston Rockets.
Venue
- crypto.com ArenaLos Angeles, CA
- Attendance19057
- OfficialsPat Fraher, Marat Kogut, Tony Brothers, Mitchell Ervin
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- Rockets Dominate Lakers in Playoff ShowdownApr 26, 2026
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