Kevin Durant leads Rockets into playoffs showdown with Lakers

NBA superstar returns to postseason after missing last year's action

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:55pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game between the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color.The Rockets and Lakers clash in an intense first-round playoff matchup, with Kevin Durant leading Houston's young squad against the veteran Lakers.Houston Today

After missing the playoffs last season, NBA superstar Kevin Durant is back in the postseason, leading the young Houston Rockets into a first-round clash with the Los Angeles Lakers. Durant joined the Rockets this past offseason in a blockbuster trade from the Phoenix Suns.

Why it matters

Durant's return to the playoffs is a major storyline, as he looks to lead the up-and-coming Rockets against the veteran-laden Lakers in what should be an exciting first-round matchup between two of the Western Conference's top teams.

The details

In his first season with the Rockets, Durant has helped guide the young squad back to the playoffs after they missed out last year. The Rockets-Lakers series will feature a clash of styles, with Durant's scoring prowess and the Rockets' fast-paced offense going up against the Lakers' veteran experience and defensive intensity.

  • The 2026 NBA Playoffs begin on April 12.
  • The Rockets-Lakers first-round series tips off on April 15.

The players

Kevin Durant

A 12-time NBA All-Star and two-time champion, Durant joined the Rockets this past offseason in a blockbuster trade from the Phoenix Suns.

Los Angeles Lakers

A storied NBA franchise that has won 17 championships, the Lakers are led by a veteran core including LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook.

Houston Rockets

A young, up-and-coming team making its return to the playoffs after missing out last season, led by the addition of superstar Kevin Durant.

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What they’re saying

“This is why I came to Houston - to compete for a championship. We've got a tough task ahead of us against the Lakers, but I'm excited for the challenge.”

— Kevin Durant

“The Rockets are a dangerous team with Durant leading the way. We know we'll have our hands full, but we're ready for the challenge.”

— LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers Forward

What’s next

Game 1 of the Rockets-Lakers first-round series is scheduled for April 15 in Los Angeles.

The takeaway

Kevin Durant's return to the playoffs after missing out last season sets the stage for an exciting first-round clash between the Rockets and Lakers, with the veteran Lakers looking to fend off the up-and-coming Rockets led by the superstar Durant.