Lakers put BOLO out searching for missing offense
The Los Angeles Lakers are struggling offensively in their first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets, despite the return of Austin Reaves for Game 5. Their shooting efficiency has declined sharply, particularly from three-point range, as they lost consecutive games after leading the series 3-0. With Game 6 approaching in Houston, the team is grappling with poor shot execution, ball security issues, and a collective offensive slump.
- ▪Austin Reaves returned for Game 5 but the Lakers still lost 99-93, dropping their second straight game after leading the series 3-0.
- ▪The Lakers shot 24.5% from three-point range in Games 4 and 5 combined, a significant drop from 46.1% in Games 1-3.
- ▪LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Luke Kennard combined to make only two three-pointers in Game 5, the same number made by Rockets' Amen Thompson.
- ▪Luke Kennard scored just one point in Game 5 after averaging over 21 points in the first three games of the series.
- ▪The Lakers have the worst turnover rate among playoff teams at 20.1%, contributing to their low shot volume and offensive struggles.
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NBA Lakers put BOLO out searching for missing offense By Khobi Price Published May 1, 2026, 8:00 a.m. ET Austin Reaves returned for the Lakers, but even the star guard’s presence didn’t stop the team’s offensive struggles. Their scoring woes continued during Wednesday’s Game 5 home loss to the Rockets, dropping back-to-back games, after taking a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven first-round playoff series. The Lakers’ LeBron James tries to score while being swarmed by Rockets defenders during Game 5 on Wednesday. AP And their offensive production and efficiency have regressed in each game, with the Lakers continuing to search for answers on how to turn things around entering a pivotal Game 6 on Friday in Houston.
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