There is no love lost between Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James and Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun.
The Rockets extended their first-round Western Conference playoff series on Wednesday, defeating the Lakers 99-93 in Game 5 at Crypto.com Arena.
Houston has now won two straight after facing elimination and a potential sweep.
James led L.A. with 25 points on 9-of-20 shooting, seven assists, three rebounds and two steals in 39 minutes.
Sengun delivered an all-around effort for the Rockets with 14 points, nine rebounds, eight assists and two steals.
A charged fourth-quarter exchange between the two headlined the night.
Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Tempers flared with 5:30 remaining in the fourth quarter. A frustrated Sengun muttered unpleasantries within earshot of the four-time MVP. James fired back immediately.
Cameras caught the exchange live, capturing an animated James as he stepped to the free-throw line. James made his feelings clear, responding to Sengun with noticeable fervor.
The reference carried weight. In Game 4, Lakers center Deandre Ayton received a flagrant foul two ejection for elbowing Sengun in the head. The tension did not arrive without context.
The game was physical and testy from the opening tip. Jabari Smith Jr. paced Houston with a team-high 22 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Tari Eason added 18 points off the bench.
For the Lakers, Austin Reaves made a welcome return from an oblique injury, contributing 22 points and six assists. Ayton posted a strong double-double of 18 points and 17 rebounds.
Both teams entered without their marquee injured stars. Kevin Durant missed his fourth game of the series. Luka Doncic remained sidelined with a hamstring injury.
The absences did nothing to drain the drama. The James-Sengun saga moves to Game 6 on Friday in Houston.
