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

In a stunning upset, the Los Angeles Lakers took down the Houston Rockets 107-98 in the opening game of their first-round playoff series, with LeBron James leading the charge with 19 points and 13 assists. Luke Kennard also made history with a 27-point game, the second-highest score by a player in their Lakers postseason debut. The Lakers capitalized on Kevin Durant's injury absence, but the highly anticipated matchup between James and Durant will have to wait. James emphasized his role as a versatile player, saying, 'I gotta do a little bit of everything, that's what the job requires.' The game was also notable for James sharing the court with his son, Bronny, in the playoffs for the first time. The Lakers' strong shooting, with 60.6% from the field, and tenacious defense, which held the Rockets to 37.6%, were key factors in their victory. Game two is set for April 22. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers began the 2026 playoffs with a 126-113 win over the Toronto Raptors, thanks in part to Max Strus and James Harden's combined 46 points. Nikola Jokic led the Denver Nuggets to a 116-105 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves with a 25-point triple-double, and the New York Knicks took the first game of their series against the Atlanta Hawks, 113-102, behind Jalen Brunson's 28 points and seven assists.