Lakers Stun Rockets in Playoff Opener Without Durant

LeBron and Kennard lead shorthanded Lakers to surprise Game 1 win

Apr. 19, 2026 at 9:04am

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The Los Angeles Lakers, playing without several key players, pulled off a surprising 107-98 victory over the Houston Rockets in the opening game of their NBA playoff series. LeBron James had 19 points and 13 assists, while Luke Kennard scored a career-high 27 points to lead the Lakers to the win.

Why it matters

The Lakers were considered underdogs heading into the series, especially with the Rockets at full strength and the Lakers missing several rotation players. This win gives the Lakers confidence and home-court advantage as the series shifts to Houston.

The details

The Lakers were able to capitalize on the absence of Rockets star Kevin Durant, who missed the game due to injury. Despite being shorthanded, the Lakers got big performances from LeBron James and Luke Kennard to pull off the upset victory.

  • The game was played on April 19, 2026.

The players

LeBron James

A 19-time NBA All-Star and 4-time NBA champion, considered one of the greatest players of all time.

Luke Kennard

A 27-year-old shooting guard for the Lakers who scored a career-high 27 points in the playoff win.

Kevin Durant

An 11-time NBA All-Star and 2-time NBA champion who missed the game due to injury.

Houston Rockets

An NBA team based in Houston, Texas that was defeated by the Lakers in Game 1 of their playoff series.

Los Angeles Lakers

An NBA team based in Los Angeles, California that pulled off the surprise playoff win over the Rockets.

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What they’re saying

“That's what it has to be — a collective group,”

— LeBron James, Lakers Player

What’s next

The series will continue with Game 2 in Houston on April 21, 2026.

The takeaway

The Lakers' surprise win in Game 1 without several key players shows their depth and resilience, and sets up an intriguing playoff series against the Rockets.