The Lakers made a statement in a series swinging Game 5 by providing the Rockets with a historical 40-point beat-down one that won’t be easily forgotten. The Los Angeles Lakers are in Houston set to do the same thing in enemy territory.
When a seven-game series is tied at 2-2, game 5 will show the teams true colors and the better team will win that game. The Lakers left no doubt in that game but know that they can play better.
The blueprint is already set and the Lakers know exactly what they’ve got to do. The Rockets don’t have the size inside to slow Lakers. The Lakers destroyed the Rockets in Game 5 proving that point, but most importantly realize that they’ll have to play better to end this series.
Game 6 is a closeout game, winning on the road is a tall order but the Lakers were the best road team in the league during the regular season. Some people have even stated that they’re not convinced about the Lakers winning tonight due to what happened in the last game in Houston.
Houston caught the Lakers off guard and won Game 4, props to them. Perhaps those same ‘haters’ didn’t notice that the Lakers made their adjustments bounced back and broke the Rockets in half and this game should be no different.
The Lakers are building momentum for the remainder of the playoffs but aren’t losing sight of what is at stake or looking ahead and appear to be focusing on the matter at hand which is beating the Houston Rockets.
The Lakers put together a solid performance as a team; 7 Lakers had 10 points or more. The Lakers need to come out and play with a sense of urgency, high energy level and show a lot of intestinal fortitude.
Look for Kobe Bryant to come aggressive and on the attack to set the tone, the team will follow his lead. The Lakers need to make aggressive moves toward the basket and attack the rim. This is the sure basket time of the year and the Lakers don’t need to settle for jump shots.
The Lakers have a size advantage and need to play smart basketball by establishing both Pau Gasol & Andrew Bynum in the low post and run their offense from the inside out. Andrew Bynum was big in the last game scoring 14 points and grabbing 6 boards, the Lakers need a repeat performance.
The Lakers need to control the tempo, boards, get back in transition, stop the dribble penetration and rotate out to three point shooters. The Lakers also need to limit the Rockets to one shot per possession and have to contest every shot. The Lakers played well defensively and forced the Rockets into several turnovers, they’ll need the same energy and effort tonight.
Taking care of the items mentioned will take the crowd out of the game and inform them that they’re watching the last game of the season for their team as well as another beat-down.
Tipoff: 6:30 PM PST
Television -
- Los Angeles: ESPN
- Houston: ESPN
Radio -
- Los Angeles: AM570 KLAC (Spero Dedes & Mychal Thompson)
- Houston: KILT Sportsradio 610 (Craig Ackerman)
Injuries -
Lakers:
- None to report.
Rockets:
- Yao Ming (Foot)
- Tracy McGrady (Knee)
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