Lakers fall again, LeBron responds to Jabari Smith: “I’m too old for that stuff”
After the Game 5 loss, LeBron James breaks down the Lakers’ mistakes and responds with humor to Jabari Smith Jr.’s comments
After jumping out to a 3-0 lead, the Los Angeles Lakers, despite the return of Austin Reaves, missed their second straight chance to close out the series, falling at home 99-93 in Game 5. Houston once again showed strong resilience, earning the right to head back home for Game 6.
After the game, LeBron James gave a clear-eyed assessment of what went wrong. Compared with the previous two contests, he was much sharper taking care of the ball: just two turnovers after committing eight in both Game 3 and Game 4.
We had good chances to score, but we didn’t capitalize. They were able to generate quality shots. As important as defense is, at the end of the day you still have to put points on the board. And in the second and third quarters, we didn’t do that well enough
LeBron James
In short, the biggest issue was on the offensive end. The Lakers created opportunities, but in key moments they lacked the efficiency needed to deliver the decisive blow.
LeBron’s response to Jabari Smith Jr.
Before Game 5, Jabari Smith Jr. drew attention by saying he believed the Rockets were a better team than the Lakers despite the series score.
After Houston’s win, LeBron James was asked what he thought about those comments. His response was direct, delivered with the tone of someone who has seen it all.
I don’t care about stuff like that at all. Games are won on the court. I don’t care what gets said outside of it. It’s normal for him to think that way. Why would he say anything different? Ask those questions to younger guys – I’m too old for that stuff
LeBron James
Despite the last two losses, the Lakers still remain in control of the series. There is also one statistic that should encourage Los Angeles: in LeBron’s entire NBA career, his teams have never blown a 2-0 lead in a playoff series.
Now, though, an immediate response will be needed. Houston enters Game 6 with momentum and confidence, while the Lakers must rediscover their offensive sharpness and consistency to avoid fully reopening a series that once looked finished.