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Scott Foster is the the crew chief for tonight\u2019s Lakers\/Rockets game <\/p>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Through his referee history, playoff games in which Foster is officiating see the trailing team win anywhere from 47%-49% of the time<\/a>, which is a bit above league average. Additionally, the Rockets have a 4-1 record<\/a> when Foster has been a referee for their games this season. While the Lakers are 4-1<\/a> in Foster games, they have a much worse defensive rating and opponent scoring average in those games.<\/p>\n Based on his history, Foster is also known for making more foul calls than average, as, along with \u2018extending\u2019 the series, games that feature him tend to take longer in general.<\/a><\/p>\n It remains to be seen whether Foster will have an impact on the outcome of the Lakers vs. Rockets Game 6, but based on his past performances, the Houston team could have a slight advantage as the team is currently trailing.<\/p>\n Getty<\/span>WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 JANUARY 30: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates in front of Jamir Watkins #5 of the Washington Wizards<\/a> during the first half at Capital One Arena on January 30, 2026 in Washington, DC.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n While the Lakers saw Reaves make his injury return, they are currently without franchise star Luka Doncic<\/a>, as he is expected to miss the rest of the series, even if the Rockets can force a Game 7.<\/p>\n The Lakers are currently trending on the wrong end of history, as teams are previously 160-0 when holding a 3-0 playoff series lead<\/a>. They have since lost the last two matchups, and if the Rockets can win Game 6, they\u2019ll have the momentum and likely confidence to take the series.<\/p>\n Los Angeles dropped the past two games after their shooting fell off a cliff and their turnover<\/a> number skyrocketed. Despite getting Reaves back, he had a poor shooting night in Game 5<\/a>, and they weren\u2019t able to close out the series at home.<\/p>\n If the previous matchup wasn\u2019t a must-win, Game 6 certainly is, even though the Lakers would be going back home for a potential Game 7.<\/p>\n If it does come to a final game, former NBA player DeMarcus Cousins didn\u2019t rule<\/a> out the idea of the Lakers bringing back Doncic in hopes of saving their season, regardless of where he\u2019s at in his recovery process.<\/p>\n \u201cI believe the Lakers think they can win this series without (Luka Doncic),\u201d he said. \u201c(But) if it goes to Game 7, they reconsider everything. Obviously you need your star guy out there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n For now, that remains to be seen. But the Lakers have a crucial game ahead, one that will see \u2018The Extender<\/a>\u2018 in Foster potentially controlling their future.<\/p>\n Lakers vs Rockets Game 6 tips off on Friday, May 1, at 6:30 pm PST and will be live on Amazon Prime Video.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n\t\t\tEli Gregorski<\/strong><\/a> is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy Sports. He has years of sports writing experience covering the NBA, NFL, college football and basketball, international soccer, and Formula One. He graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder, where he was the assistant sports editor for the award-winning CU Independent student publication. More about Eli Gregorski<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nLakers Face Must-Win Game 6 Without Luka Doncic<\/h2>\n
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