NBA Playoffs: Luke Kennard Goes Ballistic As Lakers Thump Durant-less Rockets

Last Updated:April 19, 2026, 10:15 IST

Luke Kennard exploded for 27 as LeBron James orchestrated the show, leading the injury-hit Lakers to a crucial Game 1 win over the Rockets.

Luke Kennard went white-hot from beyond the arc, as he led the Lakers with 27 points in Game 1 (AFP)

A friend in need is a friend indeed. And for the injury-hit Los Angeles Lakers, that friend turned out to be Luke Kennard.

Kennard delivered a career night, dropping 27 points to power the Lakers to a 107-98 win over the Houston Rockets in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday.

With Kevin Durant ruled out due to a knee contusion, the balance of the matchup shifted, and the Lakers wasted no time capitalising.

For a team already missing Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, this was as close to a must-win as it gets.

LeBron Does What He Does Best

All eyes were on LeBron James pre-game, and the 41-year-old delivered — orchestrating the offense like only he can.

James racked up eight assists in the first quarter alone, setting the tone early. He eventually finished with 19 points, 13 assists, and eight rebounds — another near triple-double in a postseason that keeps demanding more from him.

“Everything,” James had earlier said when asked what the team needed from him.

Kennard Catches Fire

While LeBron ran the show, Kennard stole it.

The sharpshooter was lights out, going 9-of-13 from the field and a perfect 5-of-5 from beyond the arc.

Every time Houston threatened to close the gap, Kennard had an answer.

Team Effort Powers LA

Despite committing a sloppy 20 turnovers, the Lakers made up for it with ruthless efficiency — shooting 60.6% from the field and 52.6% from deep.

All five starters scored in double digits. Deandre Ayton posted a 19-point, 11-rebound double-double, Marcus Smart added 15 points and eight assists, and Rui Hachimura chipped in 14.

Rockets Miss Their Spark

Houston struggled to find rhythm without Durant. Alperen Sengun led with 19 points while Amen Thompson added 17, but the Rockets lacked the cutting edge to match LA’s firepower.

They spent most of the first three quarters chasing the game and never quite caught up.

Early Edge for the Lakers

The win gives the Lakers a 1-0 series lead, their first in a playoff matchup since facing the Golden State Warriors in the 2023 Western Conference semifinals.

Now, the focus will shift to whether they can stay alive and keep fighting — especially once Durant laces up for the Rockets.

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