2026 Playoffs: (4) Lakers Vs (5) Rockets - Discussion

Discussion in 'Lakers Discussion' started by JDLakersFan2019, Apr 12, 2026.

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Who wins the series?

  1. Lakers in 4 or 5

    6 vote(s)
    18.2%

  2. Lakers in 6

    2 vote(s)
    6.1%

  3. Lakers in 7

    11 vote(s)
    33.3%

  4. Rockets in 4 or 5

    10 vote(s)
    30.3%

  5. Rockets in 6

    4 vote(s)
    12.1%

  6. Rockets in 7

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
Multiple votes are allowed.
Page 17 of 17
  1. karacha

    karacha Moderator Staff Member

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    Austin should probably see limited minutes if he feels good during shootaround. It won’t do much for his conditioning or rhythm, but there’s no better gauge than live NBA game speed. At least it gives the team a clear read on where he stands, no? Something like 15 to 20 minutes off the bench feels about right.
     
    karacha, Apr 26, 2026 at 3:38 PM
    #321
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  2. LTLakerFan

    LTLakerFan - Lakers Legend -

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    Definitely. 100% agree that he needs some game time under his belt before facing OKC.
     
    LTLakerFan, Apr 26, 2026 at 4:25 PM
    #322
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  3. Kenzo

    Kenzo - Lakers MVP -

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    Thanks Chuck :(
    Next game is a must win, so rest starters now (we're mid 3rd Q).
     
    Kenzo, Apr 26, 2026 at 8:23 PM
    #323
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  4. svtzr

    svtzr - Lakers All Star -

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    Interesting game, I thought we started well and fought hard until the offense just fell apart in the 3rd. Some thoughts:
    • Ayton was having a really good game probably goes for 24/12 if he doesn't get ejected for an unfortunate, unintentional hit
    • When Ayton's on the floor, we're a much better rebounding team
    • Hayes really has struggled defending Sengun this series, we need to protect him from that matchup
    • Jake had a better game tonight, showed life on the offensive end, he contested well but the Rocket's bench 3's were just falling
    • I thought Rui was pretty good, but his release is a bit too slow, he just couldn't get enough shots up tonight and got ran off the 3 pt line too often
    • Vando once again did well and his physicality has been welcome against Houston
    • Bronny was good in his limited minutes especially getting into the paint to playmake
    • Was great to see the young guys out there, I really like them all NSJ, Knecht, Adou and Bronny
    • Kleber is a troll haha, just being really chirpy at the end there
    • Lebron had maybe one of his worst playoff games, probably tired from going up 3-0
    • Smart was impactful again, great role player, too many TO's from him and Lebron tonight
    • Kennard was off tonight, struggled to get his shot to fall, not really worried about that, more worried about trying to get him open to take 15 shots
    Defensively we were decent, Houston shot 40% from 3 and they're a rubbish 3 point shooting team, if we both shoot 35% it's a 2 possession game. We out rebounded Houston tonight, the FGA were pretty close too.

    Tonight our role players fired, but the big 3 didn't. That spells positivity for us going home. Last positive - WE GOT SOME REST FOR OUR GUYS.

    Let's close it out - Lakers in 5!
     
    svtzr, Apr 26, 2026 at 9:45 PM
    #324
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  5. lakerjones

    lakerjones Moderator Staff Member

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    Kind of an expected loss tonight but still a bummer. We did fight hard in the first half but our guys just didn't have the energy necessary for a close out game on the road. Again, not a surprise given that Lebron played 45 minutes in the previous game that went to OT. He was pretty fried and it showed in all the turnovers.

    Let's take care of business here at home on Wednesday Game 5.
     
    lakerjones, Apr 26, 2026 at 10:14 PM
    #325
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  6. Pioneer10

    Pioneer10 - Lakers All Star -

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    really annoyed that it took forever for JJ to pull the starters. They just didn't have the energy and it was pretty obvious

    Also Vando needs to get all the Jake minutes - he's much more effective and isn't playing scared

    Wish Bronny and Theiro got way more minutes in the regular season now - they both look like they can be rotation players (at least minutes eaters not difference makers)
     
    Pioneer10, Apr 26, 2026 at 11:04 PM
    #326
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  7. 432J

    432J - Lakers All Star -

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    they were due for a stinker. close this out at home next game
     
    432J, Apr 26, 2026 at 11:27 PM
    #327
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  8. wcsoldier81

    wcsoldier81 - Lakers All Star -

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    Didn't notice there were 2 days of rest between Game 4 and 5 .

    We're good
     
    wcsoldier81, Apr 27, 2026 at 1:11 AM
    #328
  9. Kenzo

    Kenzo - Lakers MVP -

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    Must win game...
     
    Kenzo, Apr 27, 2026 at 1:18 AM
    #329
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  10. pika1708

    pika1708 - Lakers Starter -

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    We never got the 3pt going. We need to play with insane defensive intensity to offset our lack of offensive talent in the team right now.

    I think we were a bit tired which is totally understandable. Let's close this one at home, probably with AR back
     
    pika1708, Apr 27, 2026 at 3:56 AM
    #330
  11. abeer3

    abeer3 - Lakers Legend -

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    just said that in the game debrief. if we can't close it out in game 5, we may have a full collapse. we let them off the mat.
     
    abeer3, Apr 27, 2026 at 4:44 AM
    #331
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