Jabari Smith Jr says Rockets are better despite 3-1 deficit

Jabari Smith Jr. did not soften the edge of his words before Game 5. The Rockets forward said Houston is “obviously the better team” even with the Lakers up 3-1 in the first-round series, a comment that gives Los Angeles a clean target heading into the next game.

Smith was direct about it, saying, “We’re obviously the better team, I feel like.” He added, “I just feel like from top to bottom (we are better)... you can say that’s an opinion,” before finishing, “I’m biased; I just feel like we’re the better team.”

Jabari Smith Jr. and the 3-1 hole

The timing matters because Houston has no margin left in the series. The Rockets trail the Lakers 3-1, and Smith’s remarks landed before Game 5 with the series still tilted toward Los Angeles.

Smith has backed up his confidence with production. He has averaged 18.5 points per game in the series and has made 14 of 36 shots from 3-point range, a 38.9% mark that sits above his yearly 36.3 3P% and 15.8 points per game.

Los Angeles Lakers and the absences

The matchup has also been shaped by who has not been available. The Lakers have been without Luka Doncic in the series, and Austin Reaves was expected to return for Game 5. Houston, meanwhile, has been without Kevin Durant for every game except Game 2.

Game 4 added another layer to the series when the Lakers’ turnover problem became particularly acute and ruined their chances for a sweep. Houston did not miss Durant in the series, and that leaves Smith’s comments tied to a team trying to push back from behind rather than from even footing.

Game 5 pressure on Houston

Ime Udoka has watched his team carry Smith’s scoring while the Rockets try to extend the series. The forward’s line has been one of Houston’s few steady offensive numbers, but the standings math is unforgiving now: the Rockets need to turn a 3-1 deficit into momentum before the Lakers can close it out.