The lakers vs rockets schedule reaches Game 5 on Wednesday with Los Angeles carrying a 3-1 lead and a chance to finish the first-round series at home. The Lakers returned to practice Tuesday in El Segundo, California, while Houston faces elimination after splitting the two games in Houston.
Redick Sets the Tone
JJ Redick used a blunt message after practice Tuesday. “Well, you have to kill them,” he said, then added, “You have to kill... it’s difficult to kill someone.”
He continued with the same edge: “Survival instinct says, ‘I want to stay alive.’ So you’ve got to be able to kill them.” That is the mindset Los Angeles is carrying into a game that can end the series after four meetings.
Reaves Nears a Return
Austin Reaves remained a game-time decision for Wednesday night after being out since March 2 with a Grade 2 oblique strain. His status is the biggest lineup variable for Los Angeles, because he has spent more than a month on the sideline while the team pushed this series to the brink.
Reaves called being unable to control a game “miserable,” but said, “The main thing is to get me back out there as fast as I can while not putting myself at risk to re-injure myself. Everybody has been extremely positive throughout this whole process. We're all working for one goal and we're doing everything we can.” He also said watching from the side has been “It’s been a lot of fun.”
Game 4 Fallout
Houston’s Game 4 win came without Kevin Durant, a result that briefly tightened the series before the Lakers returned home with the lead intact. The swing in the matchup also brought discipline afterward, with Luke Kennard fined $25,000 and Marcus Smart fined $35,000 after Game 4.
Kennard said, “I gotta be a little bit more composed and under control,” and, “Can’t let my emotions get the best of me.” For Los Angeles, the immediate task is simpler: protect the 3-1 edge, handle Reaves’ final status, and close out a series that is already at the doorstep of elimination for Houston.
