Lakers Rely on LeBron James to Upset Rockets in Playoffs

Experts doubt the Lakers' chances, but a vintage LeBron performance could seal his return to LA for another season.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:20pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a basketball game in progress, with sharp planes of color representing the players and court. The abstract style captures the intensity and unpredictability of the playoff matchup.A cubist interpretation of the high-stakes playoff clash between LeBron James' Lakers and the favored Rockets.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Lakers are underdogs against the Houston Rockets in their first-round NBA playoff series, but one Lakers beat writer believes LeBron James could be the key to pulling off the upset. If James leads the Lakers to the second round, it could solidify his return to the team for another season.

Why it matters

The Lakers' playoff fate rests heavily on LeBron James, who at 38 years old is still playing at an elite level. A deep playoff run could convince James to stay in LA for another year, while an early exit would raise questions about the team's future direction.

The details

Experts like NBA.com's John Schuhmann have the Rockets favored to win the series in 5 games, citing Houston's superior point differential and regular season performance. However, the Lakers have LeBron, who is coming off an efficient 18-point, 6-assist, 4-rebound performance in just 17 minutes in the regular season finale. If LeBron can deliver a 'vintage series' against the Rockets, it would 'work heavily in favor of sealing the deal' for him to return to the Lakers next season, according to one Lakers beat writer.

  • The Lakers face the Rockets in the first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs.
  • In the Lakers' final regular season game, LeBron James played only the first half and had 18 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds in 17 minutes.

The players

LeBron James

A 38-year-old superstar forward for the Los Angeles Lakers who is still playing at an elite level and could be the key to the team's playoff success.

Houston Rockets

The Los Angeles Lakers' first-round playoff opponent, who are favored to win the series based on their superior regular season point differential and performance.

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What they’re saying

“Statistically, Houston has been the much better team, outscoring opponents by 5.4 points per 100 possessions, the league's sixth best mark and more than three times better than the Lakers' differential, plus-1.5 per 100.”

— John Schuhmann, NBA.com Writer

“Realistically, the situation between the Lakers and James should already be trending toward a reunion. The other possible suitors apart from Los Angeles are not overwhelmingly strong.”

— Svyatoslav Rovenchuk, Lakers Beat Writer

“If the Lakers survive thanks to LeBron, it will be one of those moments that you tell your grandkids about. It will also serve as a clear identifier of the instance when all doubt was erased about him and Los Angeles deciding to run it back one more time.”

— Svyatoslav Rovenchuk, Lakers Beat Writer

What’s next

If the Lakers are able to upset the Rockets, it could convince LeBron James to return to the team for another season.

The takeaway

Despite being underdogs, the Lakers have a chance to pull off the playoff upset over the Rockets thanks to the heroics of LeBron James. A deep playoff run led by the 38-year-old superstar could cement his return to the Lakers for another season.