The Los Angeles Lakers secured their place in the NBA Western Conference playoff semifinals after defeating the Houston Rockets 98-78 in the sixth game in LA on Saturday, WIB, with an aggregate lead of 4-2.
According to the NBA website, the Lakers dominated from the first half, with a 27-3 run that increased the score to 38-19. They then closed the second quarter with a score of 49-31. They maintained their lead, reaching a 22-point margin in the third quarter.
NBA veteran LeBron James led the Lakers' offense with 28 points, despite being 41 years old. Rui Hachimura also contributed significantly with an additional 21 points, including five accurate three-pointers.
Lakers coach JJ Redick called this success a vindication for his team. He considered winning a playoff series a major achievement for the Lakers, who had been doubted just a few weeks earlier.
"For us to be doubted a few weeks ago and win a playoff series is huge," Redick said.
