Lakers Secure Shock Victory Over Rockets in Game One, Led by LeBron James

The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a stunning 107-98 victory over the Houston Rockets in the opening game of their playoff series, with LeBron James delivering 19 points and 13 assists. Luke Kennard made history with a 27-point performance, the second-highest score by a player in their Lakers postseason debut, and a personal playoff best after joining from Atlanta in February. The Lakers capitalized on the absence of Kevin Durant due to injury, but the highly anticipated matchup between James and Durant will have to wait. James stated, 'My role requires me to do a bit of everything, to be a triple threat, rebounding, passing, shooting, defending, and bringing value to the team.' The game was also notable for James sharing the court with his son, Bronny, in the playoffs for the first time, with their family in attendance. The Lakers dominated the game, shooting 60.6% while limiting the Rockets to 37.6%. Game two is scheduled for April 22, live on Sky Sports. The Cleveland Cavaliers kicked off the 2026 playoffs with a 126-113 win over the Toronto Raptors, thanks to a 46-point combined effort from Max Strus and James Harden. Nikola Jokic led the Denver Nuggets to a 116-105 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves with a 25-point triple-double, while the New York Knicks secured 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, with four games scheduled, including the Philadelphia 76ers vs Boston Celtics and the Phoenix Suns vs Oklahoma City Thunder.