Daijiworld Media Network – Los Angeles
Los Angeles, Apr 30: NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal criticised the Los Angeles Lakers following their Game 5 defeat to the Houston Rockets, questioning the team’s intensity and approach in crucial moments.
“I hate watching Lakers play sometimes because towards the end, they try to play hero ball… that’s not going to work,” O’Neal said on ESPN, adding that while LeBron James understands what it takes to win, younger players must step up.
He also pointed to a lack of energy from both the team and the crowd. “They played flat, with no intensity or focus. I’m super disappointed in the Lakers tonight,” he said.
On the court, the Rockets delivered a strong performance, securing a 99-93 win to keep the series alive. With the victory, Houston reduced the deficit to 3-2 after trailing 0-3, building momentum with back-to-back wins.
Despite the comeback, history remains against the Rockets, as no team in NBA history has overturned a 0-3 deficit to win a playoff series.
LeBron James led the Lakers with 25 points and seven assists, scoring 17 in the second half, but the team struggled defensively in the closing stages.
The Lakers now head into Game 6 under pressure, with the series tightening and expectations mounting to close it out.