Lakers Stun Rockets in Game One Behind LeBron's Dominant Performance

The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a stunning 107-98 victory over the Houston Rockets in the opening game of their first-round playoff series, with LeBron James delivering 19 points and 13 assists. Luke Kennard made history with a 27-point game, the second-most points scored by a player in their Lakers postseason debut, and a personal career playoff best after joining from Atlanta in February. The Lakers capitalized on Kevin Durant's absence due to injury, but the highly anticipated matchup between James and Durant will have to wait. James stated, 'I have to do a little bit of everything, that's what the job requires. I've been in every situation you'd ever imagine as a basketball player, so there's nothing that can surprise me.' The game also marked a special moment for James as he shared the court with his son, Bronny James, in the playoffs for the first time. The Lakers thrived by hitting 60.6 per cent of their shots while holding the Rockets to 37.6 per cent shooting with pesky defense. Game two is scheduled for April 22, live on Sky Sports. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers kicked off the 2026 playoffs with a 126-113 win over the Toronto Raptors, with Max Strus and James Harden combining for 46 points. The Denver Nuggets secured a 116-105 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, with Nikola Jokic stealing the show with a 25-point triple-double. The New York Knicks took an early series lead with a 113-102 win over the Atlanta Hawks, led by Jalen Brunson's 28 points and seven assists. The 2026 NBA playoffs continue on Sky Sports this Sunday, April 19, from 6pm with four games on Sky Sports Action.