Kobe Bryant (R) of the Los Angeles Lakers drives the ball while Ron Artest of the Houston Rockets defends in Game 5 of the NBA Western Conference semi-final basketball playoff game in Los Angeles, May 12, 2009. Lakers won 118-78. [Xinhua/Qi Heng]

Kobe Bryant scored a game-high 26 points to help the Los Angeles Lakers demolish the Houston Rockets 118-78 on Tuesday for a 3-2 lead in their NBA Western Conference playoffs semifinal series.

Rockets started strongly, but the rampant Lakers, who were upset 99-87 in Game Four two days ago, never looked back after cutting the deficit in the first quarter.

Paul Gasol had 16 points and 13 rebounds for the Lakers while Andrew Bynum added 14 points.

Kobe Bryant (L2) of the Los Angeles Lakers breaks through in Game 5 of the NBA Western Conference semi-final basketball playoff game against the Houston Rockets in Los Angeles, May 12, 2009. Lakers won 118-78. [Xinhua/Qi Heng]

Rockets guard Aaron Brooks, who pulled off a stellar performance in the last game, led the visiting team with only 14 points. Ron Artest just had nine.

Game Six will be held in Houston on Thursday.