The Los Angeles Lakers annihilated the Houston Rockets with a 119-96 Game 5 victory as they move on to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2010.
It was an absolute drubbing from the get go, with the Lakers racing out to a 35-20 lead at the end of the first quarter. Los Angeles continued to pour it on in the second half, posting a 26-point cushion heading to the final quarter.
It was a complete team effort from the Lakers on Saturday night as six players, including all five starters, finished in double-figures. LeBron James led the way with 29 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists.
Kyle Kuzma scored 17 markers off the bench, while Marcus Morris contributed 16 points in a starting effort. All-Star big man Anthony Davis had a relatively quiet night with 13 points and 11 boards.
Late LA legend Kobe Bryant last led the Purple and Gold to the conference finals in 2010 en route to a second straight title. While this is obviously a great achievement, James and Davis hope to replicate the Lakers' past success this season and win the franchise's 17th NBA championship.
All signs point toward a massive collision between the Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers in the Western Conference Finals. However, the Denver Nuggets proved their resiliency with a gutsy Game 5 win to stay alive in the series against the Clips.
As for the Rockets, their season ends in disappointing fashion once again, as they fall in the second round for the second straight year. It remains to be seen just how this offseason will go for Daryl Morey, head coach Mike D'Antoni and company.
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