Short-handed Lakers Overcome Rockets in Playoff Opener

52 articles · Updated · NBA.com · Apr 22

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets 107-98 in Game 1 of their first-round NBA playoff series, despite missing key scorers.
LeBron James led with 19 points and 13 assists, while Luke Kennard scored a playoff career-high 27 points; Kevin Durant missed the game for Houston.
Both teams were without major stars, but the Lakers capitalised on strong shooting and defense to take an early series lead ahead of Game 2 in Los Angeles.

With Kevin Durant returning, can the Rockets' offense recover from its 'putrid' Game 1 showing?

Was Luke Kennard's perfect shooting a fluke, or can the Lakers' role players repeat their historic performance?

Despite the Game 1 upset, are the Rockets still the real favorites to win this series with Durant back?

At age 41, can LeBron James truly lead this injury-riddled Lakers team on a deep playoff run?

Will Austin Reaves' potential return later in the series be the ultimate X-factor for Los Angeles?