LeBron James and the Lakers earned a gritty series win against the Rockets in the 2026 NBA playoffs under unlikely circumstances.Â
Luka Doncic was hurt, and Austin Reeves only played in one game, leaving the 41-year-old James and remaining role players to carry the load against a much younger – but increasingly dysfunctional – Rockets team. At BetMGM, the Lakers’ odds were priced in long-shot territory.Â
Instead, the Rockets became the first series win for the Lakers since 2023, when they beat the Grizzlies and Warriors en route to the Western Conference Finals.Â
Los Angeles Lakers Playoff History
| Year | Playoff Series Wins | Ultimate Playoff Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | 1 | TBD |
| 2024-25 | 0 | First Round Loss (Timberwolves In 5) |
| 2023-24 | 0 | First Round Loss (Nuggets In 5) |
| 2022-23 | 2 | WCF (Nuggets In 4) |
| 2020-21 | 0 | First Round Loss (Suns In 6) |
| 2019-20 | 4 | Won NBA Finals vs. Heat In 6 Games |
| 2012-13 | 0 | First Round Loss (Spurs In 4) |
| 2011-12 | 1 | Second Round Loss (Thunder In 5) |
| 2010-11 | 1 | Second Round Loss (Mavericks In 4) |
| 2009-10 | 4 | Won NBA Finals vs. Celtics In 7 Games |
| 2008-09 | 4 | Won NBA Finals vs. Magic In 5 Games |
| 2007-08 | 3 | Won West; Lost NBA Finals (Celtics In 6) |
| 2006-07 | 0 | First Round Loss (Suns In 5) |
| 2005-06 | 0 | First Round Loss (Suns In 7) |
| 2003-04 | 3 | Won West; Lost NBA Finals (Pistons In 5) |
| 2002-03 | 1 | Second Round Loss (Spurs In 6) |
| 2001-02 | 4 | Won NBA Finals vs. Nets In 4 Games |
| 2000-01 | 4 | Won NBA Finals vs. Sixers In 5 Games |
| 1999-2000 | 4 | Won NBA Finals vs. Pacers In 6 Games |
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