Rockets Visit Short-Handed Lakers as Durant and James Meet in Playoffs for 4th Time

The two NBA superstars have faced off in the postseason three times before, with Durant's teams winning twice.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 8:21pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting an abstract basketball game, with the players' figures broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and forms.The high-stakes playoff clash between NBA superstars Kevin Durant and LeBron James is rendered in a cubist, geometric style that captures the intensity and complexity of their on-court battle.Houston Today

The Houston Rockets are making their second straight trip to the playoffs, this time facing LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round. This will be the fourth time Durant and James have met in the postseason, with Durant's teams winning two of the previous three matchups. The Lakers are short-handed, having lost scoring champion Luka Doncic and guard Austin Reaves to injuries, putting more pressure on James to carry the team.

Why it matters

This playoff series features two of the greatest scorers of this generation in Durant and James, who have a long history of facing off in the postseason. The outcome could have major implications for the legacies of both players, as well as the future direction of the Rockets and Lakers franchises.

The details

The Rockets are favored in this series, as they are healthier and more well-rounded around Durant compared to the short-handed Lakers. Houston led the NBA in total rebounds and offensive rebounds this season, which powered much of their offensive production. The Lakers will need to focus on taking care of the ball and boxing out to have a chance against the Rockets' rebounding prowess.

  • The Rockets and Lakers will face off in Game 1 on Saturday night.
  • This will be the fourth time Durant and James have met in the playoffs, with their previous matchups coming in 2012, 2017, and 2018.

The players

LeBron James

The 41-year-old is the top scorer in NBA history and is attempting to carry an inferior Lakers roster to the playoffs.

Kevin Durant

The 37-year-old is the fifth all-time leading scorer in the NBA and is looking to lead the Rockets to a deep playoff run.

Luka Doncic

The Lakers' leading scorer, who is out indefinitely with a Grade 2 hamstring strain.

Austin Reaves

The Lakers' prolific guard, who is also out indefinitely with a Grade 2 oblique strain.

Ime Udoka

The Rockets' head coach, who is aware of the importance of respecting the Lakers despite their injuries.

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What they’re saying

“It's prime time. Two of the best, and still doing it at this stage in their careers. And they have had some battles in the playoffs, but not a ton being in the East and the West a lot. So that part alone has a lot of storylines, a lot of history. I'm sure this will add to their chapters.”

— Ime Udoka, Rockets Head Coach

“It's always great playing against great players. You feel their presence on the floor, even if you're not matched up with them. But it's just like all basketball players know, it's much more than just one player. You need a whole group of guys to go out there and win ... but yeah, the matchup is definitely fun. Two great players who've been in the league for a long time. But everybody who's involved in this series knows it's much deeper than that.”

— Kevin Durant

“Obviously, we know that's the head of the snake. But it's the Houston Rockets, and they have some damn good players on their team. It's not just a KD team. It's the whole group. Like I said, KD is gonna do what KD does. He's a Hall of Famer. We know that. So we have to prepare not only for him, but for the whole group.”

— LeBron James

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 playoff series between the Rockets and Lakers features a highly anticipated matchup between two of the greatest scorers of this generation in Durant and James. While their individual duel will be a major storyline, the outcome of the series will ultimately come down to which team can get the most production from its supporting cast.