Durant Faces LeBron in Highly Anticipated Playoff Matchup

Fourth postseason series between the NBA superstars, with Durant holding 9-5 edge over James.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:28pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the action and intensity of a basketball playoff game, with the figures of Durant and James broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes of color.The highly anticipated playoff clash between NBA icons Kevin Durant and LeBron James promises an epic battle of basketball titans.Houston Today

When the Houston Rockets face the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the NBA Playoffs, the marquee matchup will be between superstars Kevin Durant and LeBron James. This will be the fourth time the two have met in the playoffs, with Durant's teams winning two of the three previous series. Despite injuries to key players on both sides, the series is still highly anticipated as Durant and James are two of the most recognizable figures in the sport.

Why it matters

The Durant vs. James playoff rivalry is one of the most compelling in NBA history, with the two players having faced off in three previous Finals matchups. Their head-to-head record and individual statistical dominance make this a must-watch series for basketball fans.

The details

Durant and James have met in the playoffs four times, with Durant's teams winning two of the three previous series. In those matchups, Durant has averaged 31.7 points per game, while James has averaged 31.9 points per game. This will be the first time they've faced off in a playoff series that isn't the Finals. Both teams are dealing with key injuries, with the Rockets missing Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams, while the Lakers are without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

  • The Rockets and Lakers will face off in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
  • Durant and James have met in the playoffs three previous times, in the 2012, 2017, and 2018 NBA Finals.

The players

Kevin Durant

A 13-year NBA veteran and one of the league's premier scorers, Durant is the unquestioned leader of the Houston Rockets.

LeBron James

A 21-year NBA veteran and one of the greatest players of all time, James is the unquestioned leader of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This matchup is definitely fun. Two great players who have been in the league for a long time..”

— Kevin Durant

What’s next

The Rockets and Lakers will tip off their first-round playoff series on April 20th in Los Angeles.

The takeaway

The Durant-James playoff rivalry is one of the most compelling in NBA history, and this latest installment will be must-see TV despite the injuries on both sides. Their individual statistical dominance and the high stakes of the postseason make this a can't-miss matchup for basketball fans.