NBA Roundup: Udoka Urges Rockets to Step Up; Lakers Evaluate Lineup Flexibility; Raptors Remain on Playoff Fringe
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Rockets
Houston head coach Ime Udoka delivered a blunt assessment after a recent defeat, criticizing the club’s reliance on Kevin Durant and the team’s performance whenever the veteran forward leaves the court. “You take a 37-year-old out of the game for three minutes, and you lose a 13-point lead, 11-0 run,” Udoka told reporters, adding that the Rockets “don’t play with any aggression or confidence” in those stretches.
The message was aimed squarely at the supporting cast. Guards Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun, the latter just back from a three-game absence, were singled out to assume greater responsibility. Rookie guard Reed Sheppard has also rejoined the rotation as Houston searches for stability during Durant’s rest minutes.
Lakers
Los Angeles head coach JJ Redick confirmed that forward Rui Hachimura will return from a right Achilles issue under a minutes restriction and will begin on the bench. Whether that arrangement becomes permanent remains undecided.
In Hachimura’s absence, forward Jake LaRavia has started all six of his 2026 appearances, averaging 13.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists while shooting 51.7 percent from the field and 37.8 percent from three-point range. Redick now has multiple lineup options moving forward.
Raptors
Toronto’s weekend comeback win over Philadelphia featured timely contributions from guards Jamal Shead and Collin Murray-Boyles. Still, the broader outlook remains unchanged. The victory was flanked by losses to Boston and Philadelphia—the two teams directly ahead of the Raptors in the standings—reinforcing the club’s current placement in the Eastern Conference.
Unless the team makes a significant surge before the trade deadline, Toronto projects as a fringe contender: competitive most nights, but a tier below the conference’s elite.
Source: Hoops Wire
