Luke Kennard & LeBron James Dismantle Rockets In Game 1

Luke Doncic and Austin Reaves are dealing with multi-week injuries that could keep them out past the first round, a huge blow to a Lakers team that was starting to resemble a true title contender. Against a young and athletic Houston team, Los Angeles figured to struggle in Game 1, but ultimately caught a break as Kevin Durant was a late scratch due to a right knee contusion.

Without Durant, the Lakers’ chances to defend their home court increased and they took advantage as they raced out to an early lead. Los Angeles executed on both ends of the floor to go into halftime with a modest two-point lead, but they found an extra gear in the second half.

The Rockets tried to threaten a comeback late in the fourth quarter, but the Lakers did enough to hold on and win Game 1 107-98.

After Doncic and Reaves were sidelined, head coach JJ Redick entrusted Luke Kennard to handle more offensive responsibility and he answered the bell toward the end of the regular season. The veteran sharpshooter clearly wasn’t phased in first playoff game with Los Angeles as he looked confident and comfortable going up against Houston’s stiff perimeter defense.

Kennard’s on-ball chops plus his outside shooting make him a difficult player to track defensively and he made the Rockets pay whenever he had space. Kennard saved his best for the fourth quarter as he hit several huge 3-pointers to push the lead into double-digits.

Kennard led the Lakers in scoring with 27 points on 9-of-13 shooting including a perfect 5-of-5 from the free throw line. He also had four rebounds and three assists.

LeBron James’ postseason experience is an underrated advantage and he put on a masterclass in dictating terms against his younger opponents. James opened the game operating as distributor, racking up eight assists in the first quarter.

However, James also sensed when he needed to score and did most of his damage in the post backing down defenders. James did everything Los Angeles needed him to and finished the night with 19 points, eight rebounds, 13 assists, two steals and one block.

Deandre Ayton also had a dominant night down low for the Lakers, recording a double-double with 19 points, 11 rebounds and two assists.

What’s next for the Lakers

The Lakers will host the Rockets for Game 2 on Tuesday before traveling to Houston for Games 3 and 4 on Friday and Sunday, respectively.