The Los Angeles Lakers opened their Western Conference first-round series with an unexpected but emphatic statement Saturday night, defeating the Houston Rockets 107–98 in Game 1 despite missing two of their top scorers.
With star absences on both sides reshaping the matchup, it was Luke Kennard who delivered the biggest punch. Kennard erupted for a career playoff-high 27 points, drilling four 3-pointers and hitting nine of his first 12 shots to lead fourth-seeded Los Angeles to a 1–0 series lead.
Game 2 is set for Tuesday night in Los Angeles. Acquired from Atlanta in early February, Kennard entered the postseason as one of the league’s most accurate shooters—but few expected him to headline a playoff opener. He did exactly that.
With the Lakers missing both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves (both sidelined indefinitely since April 2), Kennard stepped into a larger offensive role and delivered a performance that changed the tone of the series.
His efficient scoring helped Los Angeles shoot a blistering 60.6% from the field, overwhelming a Houston defense that struggled to contain perimeter movement and ball-sharing.
While Kennard provided the scoring spark, LeBron James controlled the game’s rhythm.
James finished with 19 points and 13 assists, repeatedly finding open shooters and directing a crisp Lakers offense that made the most of limited shot attempts. Remarkably, Los Angeles attempted just 66 shots, the fewest by any NBA team in a game over the past three seasons—but still controlled the contest comfortably thanks to elite efficiency.
The Lakers also received a strong interior presence from Deandre Ayton, who posted 19 points and 11 rebounds to anchor the paint.
Houston entered Game 1 without its most important player as Kevin Durant was scratched late with a bruised right knee suffered during practice earlier in the week.
Without Durant’s scoring gravity, the Rockets struggled to maintain offensive flow. They shot just 37.6% from the field, wasting a strong effort on the glass that included 21 offensive rebounds.
Alperen Sengun led Houston with 19 points, while Jabari Smith Jr. contributed 16 points and 12 rebounds. Amen Thompson added 17 points, and rookie Reed Sheppard knocked down five 3-pointers on his way to 17.
Still, the Rockets never found sustained offensive rhythm.
Veteran guard Marcus Smart supplied a critical two-way boost for Los Angeles, finishing with 15 points and eight assists while hitting four 3-pointers.
Before the series, Smart emphasized that success would come down to “willpower.” In Game 1, the Lakers clearly backed up that message—outworking Houston defensively and executing with discipline throughout the night.
Saturday’s opener also featured a milestone moment for Bronny James, who logged the first significant playoff minutes of his young career early in the second quarter alongside his father.
The father-son pairing energized the home crowd and underscored the Lakers’ depth as they navigated a shorthanded rotation.
Both teams entered Game 1 without cornerstone players—Durant for Houston and Dončić and Reaves for Los Angeles—but the Lakers adjusted more effectively.
If Kennard continues shooting at this level and James maintains control as a facilitator, Los Angeles could keep momentum even before reinforcements return.
Houston, meanwhile, will hope Durant’s knee improves quickly. His availability could dramatically reshape the matchup heading into Game 2 Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena.
