LeBron James, 41, powered the Los Angeles Lakers to a first-round series victory over the Houston Rockets on Friday night, finishing the closeout game with 28 points, eight assists and seven rebounds at Crypto.com Arena. The win sends Los Angeles to a second-round matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder that opens Tuesday.
James totaled 139 points across the six games, becoming the oldest player in NBA history to lead a playoff series in scoring. After the game, he spoke about appreciating “small victories” this late in his career, noting that future postseason appearances are not guaranteed.
Increased workload after key injuries
The four-time MVP assumed a heavier offensive role following serious injuries to Luka Doncic (strained left hamstring) and Austin Reaves (left oblique strain) suffered on April 2. James had operated mainly as a complementary scorer before the setbacks.
Doncic unlikely for start of next round
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported that Doncic is “not close” to returning. The guard has been inactive for a month and must progress through rehabilitation benchmarks; Windhorst estimated a potential timetable of at least another week to 10 days.
Reaves returns, credits treatment
Reaves managed to play in the final two games of the Houston series. “A lot of treatment,” he said postgame, adding that he skipped a planned European trip with Doncic to focus on recovery.
Ayton’s defensive impact
Friday’s game also highlighted Deandre Ayton, who joined Los Angeles after a summer buyout with Portland. The center, previously vocal about his limited offensive role, embraced a defensive assignment that restricted Rockets big man Alperen Şengün to one assist. “I took the challenge to my chin,” Ayton said. “Just putting the team on my back and them trusting me.”
The Athletic has already posted a series preview analyzing the Lakers’ chances against the defending champion Thunder.
Source: Hoops Rumors
