Yao Ming says farewell to his second NBA season as the Houston Rockets were ousted by the Los Angeles Lakers in their first round play-off series.

The Rockets were beaten by the Lakers 97-78 in their fifth game in Los Angeles today, losing 4-1 in the best-of-seven series.

Yao Ming scored 10 points and pulled down five rebounds in his battle with Shaquille O'Neal, who finished with 12 points and 9 rebounds.

The Chinese little giant will now focus his preparation on representing China at this summer's Athens Olympics.

Although advancing to the second round of the playoffs, the Lakers star Kobe Bryant is facing the law-courts between games.

The judge in the Kobe Bryant case said the NBA star will formally enter a plea in his high-profile sexual assault case during a three-day hearing that starts May 10.

Source: China Radio International