Luke Kennard says Lakers confident entering series vs. Rockets
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Los Angeles, CA — Guard Luke Kennard insists the Los Angeles Lakers remain optimistic heading into their first-round matchup with the Houston Rockets, even as injuries leave the roster shorthanded.
Speaking after Thursday’s practice, Kennard said the team believes it can prevail despite outside doubts. “I don’t feel much pressure going into this,” he noted. “We still believe in what we have, who we’re going to start the series with. Being somewhat of an underdog gives us a sense of freedom to go out there and just play hard.”
The Lakers acquired Kennard at the trade deadline, sending Gabe Vincent’s expiring contract to the Rockets. Since arriving, the 6-foot-5 sharpshooter has provided an immediate scoring lift and has taken on additional ball-handling duties following injuries to Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. Kennard said the expanded role hasn’t affected his confidence or shooting efficiency.
Los Angeles posted one of the league’s best records after the All-Star break, a surge fueled largely by Dončić and Reaves before their setbacks. With both players sidelined, many observers view Houston as the clear favorite. Kennard disagrees, pointing to a still-motivated LeBron James and a supporting cast that has “put in the work” to prepare for the series.
The upcoming best-of-seven begins in Houston, where the teams last met on Mar. 16, 2026. In that regular-season contest at Toyota Center, Rockets center Clint Capela was fouled by Kennard during the second quarter, a snapshot of the physical play likely to continue in the postseason.
For Kennard, the series offers another chance to share the floor with James, a fellow Ohio native he idolized growing up. “It’s been a lot of fun,” he said of the pairing, calling it a “full-circle moment” in his career.
The Lakers and Rockets open the series this weekend.
Source: LakersNation.com
