Houston Rockets Remain NBA Title Contenders Despite Recent Losses
The Houston Rockets' championship outlook remains uncertain, but The Ringer's Michael Pina believes they remain one of the NBA's legitimate title contenders despite a disappointing playoff exit and a relatively quiet offseason. The team's recent form has been a concern, with a 3-2 record in their last five games, including a 78-98 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on May 2, 2026. They have lost their last two games.
What happened?
The Rockets were eliminated by the injury-riddled Los Angeles Lakers in six games during the first round of the playoffs. Kevin Durant appeared in only Game 2 before being sidelined for the remainder of the matchup. The Lakers, meanwhile, advanced despite playing the entire series without Luka Doncic and missing Austin Reaves for most of it, with LeBron James leading Los Angeles through the shorthanded series.
Why it matters for Houston Rockets
The early exit intensified scrutiny surrounding Houston's roster construction after the franchise acquired Durant from the Phoenix Suns in a blockbuster seven-team trade before the 2025–26 season. While the move was intended to push the Rockets into championship contention, the results fell well short of expectations. The organization has remained relatively quiet this offseason compared to several Western Conference rivals, with only a few minor moves, including the trade of veteran forward Dorian Finney-Smith and the acquisition of Marcus Smart after his season with the Lakers.
What comes next?
The Rockets still appear to be waiting for the right opportunity to make a franchise-altering move. General manager Rafael Stone's approach has been to maintain roster flexibility and build around a veteran core led by Durant alongside established contributors. Whether this approach ultimately produces a championship remains uncertain. However, despite last season's disappointing finish and an offseason lacking major headlines, the Rockets remain a legitimate title contender in the eyes of some experts, including Michael Pina, who believes they have the talent to compete for a championship if the right circumstances fall into place.
