Lakers win playoff opener

LeBron James and Luke Kennard lead short-handed Lakers to Game 1 victory over Rockets

Apr. 19, 2026 at 1:43pm

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The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets 107-98 in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series. Luke Kennard scored a playoff career-high 27 points, while LeBron James added 19 points and 13 assists to lead the short-handed Lakers to the victory.

Why it matters

The Lakers' win in Game 1 gives them an early advantage in the series against the Rockets. With LeBron James and other key players contributing, the Lakers showed they can win even when not at full strength, which could be crucial as they look to make a deep playoff run.

The details

The Lakers were without several key players due to injuries, but they still managed to defeat the Rockets behind strong performances from Luke Kennard and LeBron James. Kennard scored a playoff career-high 27 points, while James recorded 19 points and 13 assists to lead the Lakers to victory.

  • The game was played on Saturday night, April 19, 2026.

The players

Luke Kennard

A Lakers player who scored a playoff career-high 27 points in the Game 1 victory.

LeBron James

A Lakers player who contributed 19 points and 13 assists to the team's Game 1 win.

Houston Rockets

The Lakers' opponent in the first-round playoff series.

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What they’re saying

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

— LeBron James

What’s next

The Lakers and Rockets will play Game 2 of their first-round playoff series on Monday, April 21, 2026.

The takeaway

The Lakers' ability to win without their full roster demonstrates their depth and resilience, which could serve them well as they continue their playoff run. The team's collective effort, led by standout performances from Kennard and James, sets them up for success in the series against the Rockets.