The Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a stunning 107-98 win over the Houston Rockets in the opening game of their first-round playoff series, thanks in part to LeBron James' impressive 19 points and 13 assists. Luke Kennard made history with a 27-point game, the second-highest score by a player in their Lakers postseason debut, and a personal playoff best. The Lakers capitalized on Kevin Durant's injury absence, but the highly anticipated matchup between James and Durant will have to wait. James emphasized the need to adapt, saying, 'I gotta do a little bit of everything, that's what the job requires.' He shared the court with his son, Bronny James, for the first time in the playoffs, calling it a 'crazy' experience.
The Lakers dominated with 60.6% shooting, while holding the Rockets to 37.6%. Game two is set for April 22. In other playoff action, the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Toronto Raptors 126-113, the Denver Nuggets took down the Minnesota Timberwolves 116-105 behind Nikola Jokic's 25-point triple-double, and the New York Knicks defeated the Atlanta Hawks 113-102. The 2026 NBA playoffs continue on Sky Sports, with multiple games scheduled for April 19.