Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson delivered a candid and emotional assessment after the team’s season ended with a 98-78 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 6 of their Western Conference first-round series on Friday night at Toyota Center.
The Lakers closed the series behind 28 points from LeBron James, while Houston was held to a season-low 78 points in a game defined by shooting struggles and defensive pressure.
“I feel like I was locked in to the end. I really wanted to win,” Thompson said. “I didn’t even have thoughts of what happens after.”
The Rockets attempted to extend their season after rallying earlier in the series, but Game 6 quickly exposed offensive limitations against a disciplined Lakers defense.
“Coming out of the game, it hit for sure hard,” Thompson said.
Houston’s rotation was disrupted throughout the series, with injuries affecting key veterans and forcing younger players into expanded roles. Thompson highlighted that shift as a defining theme of the season.
“A lot of guys stepped up in the leadership aspect,” he said. “Fred, Steven injured. Jeff’s a good vet but he’s not on the court with us all the time.”
“Kev got injured at the end,” Thompson added. “You saw Alpi taking steps, Reed, Jabari on the court, Tari, me too.”
The Rockets struggled to consistently generate clean perimeter looks in Game 6, finishing 5-of-28 from three-point range as the Lakers repeatedly loaded the paint.
“They were packing the paint. They were always in shifts,” Thompson said. “We were passing up shots, taking another dribble, trying to drive after another drive, and not taking the shots they gave us.”
Houston’s late-season progress included a short playoff push after falling into an 0-3 deficit, but Thompson acknowledged the broader trend of consecutive early exits.
“Now that it’s happened, back to back first round exits, it’s rough,” he said. “That’s motivation for sure.”
Despite the disappointment, Thompson emphasized individual growth in his expanded role as a primary ball handler during stretches of the season.
“It was very beneficial,” he said. “A lot of ups and downs, a lot of areas I can improve on. A lot to work on this summer.”
When asked about his offensive development priorities, Thompson pointed to multiple areas of focus.
“I feel like I could do so much,” he said. “Just improving on what I already have, getting to the rim, my mid-range, my threes, just all aspects of my game really.”
He also praised teammate Reed Sheppard’s progression into a larger rotation role, particularly as a secondary playmaker.
“I felt Reed was great this year,” Thompson said. “Just giving us space and being another point guard on the floor, another ball handler.”
As for roster changes or offseason direction, Thompson declined to engage.
“I’m not going to answer that. Sorry,” he said.
Houston finishes the season after consecutive first-round playoff exits, while Thompson’s comments point toward a summer centered on individual development and internal growth.