May 13, 2009 (Part 2); Lakers lambast Rockets by 40

Yes, a 40-point win in the Playoffs. From an embarassing Tuesday game to a brilliant Thursday game. A big transition indeed for the defending Western Conference Champions.

The Los Angeles Lakers again showed their dominant side by bouncing back bigtime, defeating the Houston Rockets, 118-78, to lead their best-of-seven series, 3 games to 2.

The 40-point margin tied the Rockets' worst playoff loss ever. They lost to the Dallas Mavericks, 116-76 on May 7, 2005.

The Lakers could wrap up the series in Game 6 on Friday.

Jack Nicholson, a longtime Laker fan, and a famous actor, showed a little shimmy after Ron Artest was replaced to show his delight as the Lakers dominate the game. And a little later on, his seatmates are doing the dance as well, pretty much as a celebration of some sorts.

But do not underestimate the undermanned Rockets, as they could still pack a punch, much similar to what they did back in Game 4, when the role players stepped up big time in lieu of star players Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming.

So, for the Lakers, don't get too high-headed. Still get your mind into the game and not to the celebration. You only celebrate when you win the whole thing. But as of now, you not even in the thick of things yet. You never know, even though you guys hold a twice-to-beat advantage, the opposition could bring it on to you. The bottomline is focus.

Kobe Bryant only needed three quarters to score the game-high 26 points for the Lakers. Along with that he had 4 rebounds and 3 assists.

Another reason why the Lakers won is because it's not just Kobe, as all 12 players who suited up scored with six of them scoring in double figures, showing good basketball. Pau Gasol finished with another double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds. Andrew Bynum made his presence felt with 14 points and 6 rebounds. T.I. look-alike Trevor Ariza scored 13 points and had 3 assists. Jordan Farmar scored 12 points and added 6 assists. While Josh Powell and Lamar Odom each had 10 points, with Powell having 3 rebounds and Odom with 6 boards.

Lamar Odom was doubtful for this game due to a bruised back, but he still played, replacing Andrew Bynum late in the first quarter.

The Rockets meanwhile were led by Aaron Brooks with 14 points and 2 assists. Von Wafer came off the bench and scored the same number as his jerseys, having 13 points plus 2 assists. Luis Scola was the last hope for the Rockets scoring 12 points and adding 13 rebounds, another double-double performance for the Argentinian.

Will the Lakers move on to the conference finals? Or could the Rockets pull another lifeline? Let's all find out on Friday from Houston for Game 6.

Game 5
Houston 78
LA Lakers 118
STAPLES Center, Los Angeles, California
HOU: Aaron Brooks- 14 pts, 1 reb, 2 assts.
LAL: Kobe Bryant- 26 pts, 4 rebs, 3 assts, 1 stl.
Lakers lead series 3-2
Game 6 on Friday, May 15 at 9:30 AM from the Toyota Center in Houston.

The Celtics-Magic game is up next you guys!

The Wizard was here... :)