LOS ANGELES — The Rockets defeated the Lakers 99-93 in Game 5, staving off elimination and cutting the series deficit to 3-2. Reed Sheppard made key plays, including a clutch jumper and a steal that led to a dunk, while Jabari Smith Jr. scored 22 points. Despite a slow start, Houston regained momentum with strong 3-point shooting, and LeBron James led the Lakers with 25 points. The series shifts back to Houston for Game 6, with the Rockets aiming for a historic comeback from a 0-3 deficit.
