Unlikely hero Luke Kennard leads Lakers to Game 1 win

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luke Kennard (10) celebrates against the Houston Rockets in the second half during Game 1 of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Unlikely hero Luke Kennard leads Lakers to Game 1 win over Rockets

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Apr 19, 2026 12:06 AM ET

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With Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves both out of action and unlikely to return in the series, the Los Angeles Lakers were led by an unlikely hero on Saturday night.

It was Luke Kennard, not LeBron James, carrying the load for Los Angeles in their Game 1 win over the Houston Rockets.

Luke Kennard scored 27 points in 38 minutes as the Lakers beat the Rockers minus Kevin Durant 107-98. Kennard put up his 27 points off with only 13 shots from the field, connecting on nine of them. He also went a perfect 5-of-5 from long range and even added four rebounds and three assists.

James did his part, scoring 19 off 15 shots while recording a double-double thanks to dishing out 13 assists and bringing down eight boards.

Luke Kennard led the Lakers to a series-opening win

But there's no denying that the Lakers don't win the game without Kennard stepping up.

LUK3 K3NNARD pic.twitter.com/me7tC3Y9CT
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 19, 2026

Joining the Lakers after a midseason trade with the Atlanta Hawks, Kennard's performance came in just his third postseason start.

Averaging only 8.4 points in 32 games throughout the regular season, Kennard's 27 gave him a new playoff career-high. It marked the second time he reached 20 points in the overall season.

Kennard will keep seeing minutes until the Lakers get healthy

And with Doncic and Reaves expected to miss game No. 2 as well, Kennard, a journeyman who has spent time with the Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies and Hawks before the Lakers, should be poised for another opportunity to earn minutes and be aggressive as James' top support.

Kennard, James and the Lakers will look to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the series when they meet the Rockets on Tuesday night. Tip-off from Crypto.com Arena is set for 10:30 p.m. ET.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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