The 2026 NBA playoffs opened Saturday. Our insiders break down the key takeaways from the first Western Conference games.
(4) Lakers lead (5) Rockets, 1-0 Game 1: Lakers 107, Rockets 98
Los Angeles, short-handed entering the postseason and missing Austin Reaves, capitalized on a late scratch to Houston’s lineup — Kevin Durant was ruled out of Game 1 with a right-knee contusion, and his availability for Game 2 is uncertain. After a sloppy four-minute stretch late in the second quarter that included five turnovers and a shrink of an eight-point lead to two, the Lakers steadied and put together an efficient offensive night.
LeBron James finished with 19 points, 12 assists and 8 rebounds, including an unprecedented eight assists in a single playoff quarter, per ESPN Research. Ball movement paid off: all five starters reached double figures. Luke Kennard scored a career playoff-high 27 on 9-for-13 shooting, Deandre Ayton had 18 on 8-of-10, and Rui Hachimura added 14 on 6-of-10. The Lakers say playing without part of their usual backcourt has reinforced belief across the roster, a confidence they hope carries into Game 2.
Game 2: Rockets at Lakers — Tuesday, 10:30 p.m.
