Luke Kennard, LeBron James spark shorthanded Lakers past Rockets in Game 1
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LOS ANGELES — April 18, 2026 – Luke Kennard poured in a career postseason-best 27 points and LeBron James added 19 points with 13 assists, steering the injury-depleted Los Angeles Lakers to a 107-98 win over the Houston Rockets in Saturday’s opening game of their Western Conference first-round series.
The fourth-seeded Lakers entered Staples Center without injured guards Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, sidelined since April 2. Houston, the No. 5 seed, lost Kevin Durant to a bruised right knee suffered in practice on Wednesday and ruled him out shortly before tipoff.
Los Angeles compensated by shooting 60.6 percent from the field while holding Houston to 37.6 percent. Kennard, acquired from Atlanta in early February, knocked down four three-pointers and converted nine of his first 12 attempts. He scored 16 of his points after halftime.
Deandre Ayton finished with 19 points and 11 rebounds, and veteran guard Marcus Smart contributed 15 points, eight assists and four threes in his Lakers playoff debut. James, beginning his 19th postseason at age 41, dished eight assists in the opening quarter and supplied several key baskets late. His son, 21-year-old Bronny James, logged his first significant playoff minutes early in the second period.
Alperen Sengun led Houston with 19 points. Jabari Smith Jr. recorded 16 points and 12 rebounds, while rookie Amen Thompson scored 17. Reed Sheppard, starting in Durant’s place, also had 17 points and buried five threes, but the Rockets struggled for consistent half-court offense despite collecting 21 offensive boards.
Los Angeles gained the lead for good on the first possession of the third quarter and pushed the gap to 16 in the fourth. Game 2 is scheduled for Tuesday night, again in Los Angeles.
Source: ESPN
