After the Lakers embarrassingly disappointing Game 4 loss they returned to Houston with something to prove and went all out to make their point heard.  Kobe Bryant dominated the court throughout the first three quarters where he scored 26 points helping ensure the Lakers a bounce back victory. Despite fears that Lamar Odom would not return to Game 5 due to a bruised back, he played anyway helping ensure the Lakers victory by making 10 points including a 3-pointer at the end of the first quarter to ensure the Lakers commanding lead.

While on Sunday the Lakers trailed by 29-points, they had a 29-point lead in Game 4 by the end of the second quarter.  And by keeping Rockets guard Aaron Brooks under control they were able to establish an early lead that lead them to a 118-78 win against the Rockets in Game 5 leaving them in the lead 3-2 of the Western Conference semifinals.  Now all the Lakers have to do is amp it up in Game 6 to finish the job and move onto the finals.  Do you think they’ll do it next game or will there be a repeat performance of Game 4 leaving the Lakers to prove they’re the best men for the job in Game 7?