Game 6: Lakers Slow Out of Gate in Loss

The Los Angeles Lakers fell to the Houston Rockets 95-80, tying the series at 3 games apiece and forcing a decisive Game 7 to determine both teams' fate. The Lakers were put into an early hole after Houston took a 17-1 lead to start the game, and never recovered. LA scored just 15 points in the first and fourth quarters as their poor shooting did them in; the Lakers shot just a paltry .357 from the field. Kobe Bryant led the Purple and Gold with 32 points, and Pau Gasol added 14 points and 11 rebounds. Jordan Farmar was the only other Laker to score in double-figures with 13 points. Aaron Brooks exploited LA's perimeter defense as he scored 26 points, and Luis Scola put up 24 and 12 rebounds. Carl Landry added 15 points off the bench. Game 7 will be played on Sunday in Los Angeles.