The Los Angeles Lakers delivered a stunning upset in the opening game of their first‑round playoff series, edging the Houston Rockets 107‑98. LeBron James anchored the effort with a stat line of 19 points and 13 assists, showcasing his all‑around leadership on both ends of the floor.
Yet it was newly acquired guard Luke Kennard who etched his name into Lakers lore, pouring in 27 points – the second‑highest total ever recorded by a player in his inaugural postseason appearance for the franchise and a personal playoff career high since his February trade from Atlanta. The Lakers were able to exploit the Rockets' biggest handicap: the sidelining of Kevin Durant. Durant’s injury kept him out of the lineup, prolonging the eight‑year wait for a potential James‑Durant playoff showdown.
In the absence of the star forward, Los Angeles seized the opportunity, shooting an efficient 60.6 percent from the field while restricting Houston to a paltry 37.6 percent. Their defensive intensity forced the Rockets into low‑percentage attempts and limited their second‑chance opportunities. James, ever the vocal leader, explained his approach in post‑game remarks: "I have to do a little bit of everything – that’s what the job requires. I’m a triple‑threat, whether it’s rebounding, passing, shooting, or defending.
I try to put myself in positions where I can add value for the team. Every game is different, so I don’t predetermine my moves; the only thing I control is my preparation." He added that his extensive experience has left him unfazed by any scenario on the court: "I’ve been in every situation you can imagine as a basketball player, so nothing really surprises me." Both squads entered the contest without key contributors. The Rockets were missing Luka Doncic, who has been out indefinitely since early April, and the Lakers were without Austin Reaves, also sidelined with a lingering injury. Durant’s late‑stage withdrawal due to a bruised right knee added another layer of intrigue, meaning he will have to wait at least one more game before making his playoff debut with Houston.
A historic moment unfolded for James off the stat sheet: he shared the hardwood with his son, Bronny James, marking the first time a father‑son duo has appeared together in an NBA postseason game. The family presence was palpable, with Bronny’s sister, mother, and grandmother all seated in the arena.
LeBron reflected on the rarity of the experience: "There have been a lot of crazy things this year. Being on the floor with my son in a playoff game is probably the craziest thing that’s ever happened in my career. It was amazing to have my whole family – my son, his brother, his sister, my mom, and my grandma – watching me play. My mom gets to see both her son and grandson in the playoffs.
It’s just wild." The Lakers will look to build on this momentum when Game Two kicks off at 3:30 a.m. BST on April 22, broadcast live on Sky Sports from Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, the broader 2026 NBA playoffs are in full swing. The Cleveland Cavaliers opened their postseason with a 126‑113 triumph over the Toronto Raptors, snapping a trio of consecutive defeats to the Canadian club earlier in the season. Veteran forward Max Strus, who returned from a season‑long injury, combined with recent acquisition James Harden to tally 46 points, propelling Cleveland to a crucial home‑court advantage. In the Western Conference, the Denver Nuggets secured a 116‑105 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, with Nikola Jokić delivering a classic 25‑point triple‑double that reaffirmed his status as the league’s premier playmaker.
The New York Knicks also claimed a 113‑102 win in their series opener against the Atlanta Hawks. After a tightly contested first half that could have swung either way, the Knicks pulled ahead in the third quarter, driven by Jalen Brunson’s 28 points and seven assists, giving New York an early series lead. Sky Sports will continue its comprehensive coverage of the 2026 playoffs on Sunday, April 19, beginning at 6 p.m. BST with four games on Sky Sports Action.
The schedule, all listed in British Summer Time, is as follows: - 6 p.m.: Philadelphia 76ers (7) @ Boston Celtics (2) - 8:30 p.m.: Phoenix Suns (8) @ Oklahoma City Thunder (1) - 11 p.m.: Orlando Magic (8) @ Detroit Pistons (1) - 2 a.m.: Portland Trail Blazers (7) @ San Antonio Spurs (2) The network will also carry the Western Conference Finals live starting May 20, ensuring fans can follow every pivotal moment as the road to the NBA championship unfolds.