Lakers role player makes history in Game 1 against Rockets, could he save the season next?

Luke Kennard erupts for 27 points and a perfect 5-for-5 from three, making Lakers playoff history in a Game 1 win over the Rockets while stepping into a larger role without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 1:26pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball player in mid-jump shot, their body fractured into sharp, overlapping planes of gold, purple, and red, capturing the raw energy and unpredictability of Kennard's performance.Luke Kennard's unexpected playoff heroics for the Lakers have flipped the script on the Rockets' defensive strategy, potentially saving Los Angeles' season.Los Angeles Today

When the Los Angeles Lakers were without their top scorers Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, role player Luke Kennard stepped up in a big way in Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets. Kennard scored 27 points and shot a perfect 5-for-5 from three-point range, making Lakers playoff history in the process. His decisive and efficient performance led the Lakers to a 107-98 win over the Rockets, flipping the script on Houston's defensive game plan. With Kennard's unexpected heroics, the Lakers may have found an offensive identity to carry them through the postseason.

Why it matters

The Lakers' victory in Game 1 was an unexpected twist, as Kennard's breakout performance challenged the Rockets' defensive strategy of loading up on LeBron James. Kennard's ability to step up in the absence of the Lakers' top scorers could be a game-changer, potentially saving the Lakers' season if he can sustain this level of play. The win also highlighted the Lakers' ability to adapt and find new offensive threats when faced with key injuries.

The details

In the Lakers' 107-98 win over the Rockets in Game 1, Luke Kennard erupted for 27 points on a perfect 5-for-5 shooting from three-point range. This performance made Kennard just the third player in Lakers playoff history to hit 100% from deep on five or more attempts, joining Robert Horry (1997) and Byron Scott (1991). Kennard's decisive and efficient play provided the clarity the Lakers' offense had been missing without Doncic and Reaves, as the team executed their plays with intention and poise.

  • On Saturday night, Kennard led the Lakers to a playoff victory against the Rockets in Game 1.
  • Kennard was acquired by the Lakers in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks in early February.

The players

Luke Kennard

A role player who was acquired by the Lakers at the trade deadline and stepped up in a big way in Game 1 of the playoffs, scoring 27 points on a perfect 5-for-5 shooting from three-point range.

LeBron James

The Lakers' superstar who praised Kennard's performance, saying he "kept the defense always off-balance".

Luka Doncic

The Lakers' top scorer who was out with a hamstring injury, leading to Kennard's increased role.

Austin Reaves

Another key Lakers player who was out, leading to Kennard stepping up in their absence.

Amen Thompson

A Rockets forward who was tasked with guarding Kennard in Game 1 and acknowledged he "went off".

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“That was my matchup and he went off, I gotta be better than that.”

— Amen Thompson, Rockets forward

“I like that he was invested in shooting threes. He played a fantastic basketball game. He was really aggressive tonight.”

— JJ Redick, Lakers head coach

“Honestly, I feel like those games leading up to right now, I developed a rhythm kind of playing in that role. It gave me confidence going into the playoffs... just being aggressive.”

— Luke Kennard

“He kept the defense always off-balance tonight.”

— LeBron James

“He is the number one shooter in the NBA... but now he's doing it in the playoffs when it really counts. I was speechless tonight. 5 for 5 from three in the playoffs as a Laker? Yeah, that hits different.”

— Deandre Ayton

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.