LOS ANGELES — LeBron James credited the Los Angeles Lakers’ steadiness for their 110-101 win over the Houston Rockets in Game 1 of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 18 at Crypto.com Arena.
James, forced back into a leading role after injuries sidelined Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, delivered 19 points, 13 assists and eight rebounds in 38 minutes. The forward said the team’s ability to remain calm when Houston trimmed a double-digit margin to two points late in the second quarter set the tone.
“I think our composure,” James said postgame. “They made a run at the end of the second to cut it to two, and we came out in the third quarter and withstood it. We tried to execute the game plan as close to 48 minutes as possible.”
Setting the Tempo
From the opening tip, Los Angeles dictated pace on both ends. Offensively, James controlled possessions, keeping Houston’s defense off balance. Defensively, the Lakers crashed the glass and contested perimeter attempts, limiting the Rockets—who led the league in offensive rebounding during the regular season—to a single-digit total of second-chance points.
Focus on Preparation
James said a full week of practice paid dividends. “We protected home court in Game 1, but it’s just one game,” he noted. “We’ve got to get better over the next 48 hours heading into Game 2 on Tuesday.”
Winning the Glass
The four-time MVP emphasized rebounding as a decisive factor against a Houston roster he described as “super athletic” and “havoc-causing.” Limiting extra possessions, he said, will remain a priority as the series continues.
Los Angeles played without Kevin Durant, yet frustrated Houston in half-court sets by conceding contested jumpers while sealing the paint.
Game 2 is scheduled for Tuesday night in Los Angeles.
Source: LakersNation.com
