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Saturday, April 18, 2026
LeBron James sends subtle warning to Rockets after Lakers' thrilling Game 1 win

The Houston Rockets will not be able capable of rattling the Los Angeles Lakers star.

Derek Fisher deems LeBron James' late-career renaissance as his "Magic Johnson era"

LeBron James was in his bag as the playmaker in the Lakers' Game 1 win against the Rockets.

NBA roundup: Luke Kennard's 27 sparks Lakers past Rockets in Game 1

Luke Kennard scored 27 points and LeBron James added 19 points with 13 assists as the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers earned a 107-98 victory over the

3 takeaways from Lakers’ Game 1 win vs. Rockets

The deck was stacked against the Lakers heading into the playoffs, but what awaited them was a tower of cards ready to topple over in the Rockets. Kevin Durant being a surprise scratch pregame...

LeBron James' Game 1 dominance should have Rockets cowering over what comes next

Houston, you don't just have a problem, you have an absolute nightmare.

LeBron James seems to have the Houston Rockets all figured out after Game 1

LeBron James turned back the clock in Game 1 against the Rockets, as he led the Lakers to take a 1-0 lead.

Luke Kennard scores 27, Lakers take Game 1 against Rockets

Luke Kennard scored 27 points and LeBron James added 19 points with 13 assists as the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers earned a 107-98 victory over the

Marcus Smart's incredible Game 1 stems from a place Lakers fans don't want to accept

Marcus Smart’s playoff experience was on full display in Game 1, but comes from a past Lakers fans may not love.

Lakers only needed one playoff game for Rob Pelinka to look absolutely genius

Turning Gabe Vincent and a second-round pick into Luke Kennard just keeps getting better.

Luke Kennard stats vs. Rockets: Luka Doncic replacement shoots the lights out for Lakers in Game 1

Here is how Luke Kennard made up for the Lakers' absences and led the team to a Game 1 win over the Rockets.

Luke Kennard’s career night sends Lakers to Game 1 win

A career night from Luke Kennard and a double-double from LeBron James powered the Lakers to a Game 1 win over the Rockets, 107-98. After finding out pregame that Kevin Durant would be out due to...

Deandre Ayton's completely unexpected Game 1 gives Lakers hope fans thought was dead

The Los Angeles Lakers got the Deandre Ayton performance nobody expected in Game 1 against the Rockets, and it renewed fans' hopes.

Recap: Lakers Take Game 1 From Rockets With Kevin Durant Ruled Out

The Los Angeles Lakers kicked off the 2026 NBA Playoffs on Saturday evening, hosting the Houston Rockets in Game 1 of their first-round series. Unfortunately, the Lakers went into the postseason...

Rockets open series vs. Lakers without star Kevin Durant (knee)

Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant was ruled out for the playoff series opener against the host Los Angeles Lakers because of a right knee injury, coac

Durant out for G1 vs. Lakers with knee contusion

Kevin Durant will miss the Houston Rockets' playoff opener against the Los Angeles Lakers with a knee injury.

Why the Lakers' success depends on Deandre Ayton -- and vice versa

With the injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, the Lakers will need Ayton more than ever. The question is: Will he accept the role they desperately need him to play?

'Breath of fresh air': How Jazmin Gamble plans to rebuild Hawthorne High football

The Bakersfield native is an all-star player in a women's professional league with experience in developing athletes at all levels. Now the Cougars get her expertise.

Rockets star Kevin Durant to miss Game 1 of Lakers series

The lanky All-Star forward has a bruised right now that will force him to miss series opener, but coach Ime Udoka doesn't believe it's a long-term problem.

Kevin Durant Ruled Out Of Game 1 vs. Lakers in Playoffs Series

Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant has been ruled out of Game 1 of the First Round NBA Playoff series against the Lakers. The post Kevin Durant Ruled Out Of Game 1 vs. Lakers in Playoffs Series...

Rockets’ Kevin Durant to miss Game 1 vs. Los Angeles Lakers with knee injury; Josh Okogie to start
Kevin Durant injury: Rockets star ruled out for Game 1 vs. Lakers after hurting knee in practice

Durant popped up on the injury report earlier this week with a right knee contusion

Where is Kevin Durant? Why Rockets star isn't playing vs. Lakers in Game 1 of playoff series

The Lakers aren't the only shorthanded team in their playoff series against the Rockets.

Why Kevin Durant isn't playing for Rockets today vs. Lakers with concerning injury news

The Houston Rockets' star forward has been ruled out for the franchise's opening playoff contest vs. the Los Angeles Lakers.

Kevin Durant out for Game 1 vs. Lakers

After two brutal injury blows to end the season, the Lakers are on the other end of the pendulum this time. Prior to Saturday’s Game 1 against the Rockets, Houston head coach Ime Udoka said Kevin...

Knee Injury To Sideline Kevin Durant For Game 1

Rockets star Kevin Durant will miss Saturday night’s series opener against the Lakers due to a right knee contusion, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN (Twitter link). “Hopefully it’s a one-game...

Rockets’ Kevin Durant Out In Game 1 Vs. Lakers

The Houston Rockets released an updated injury report for Saturday’s Game 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers and Kevin Durant (right knee contusion) is out. Durant was originally listed as...

Giannis Antetokounmpo Takes Shot at LA Amid Lakers Trade Rumors

Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo made it clear that he does not like the city of Los Angeles, heading into an offseason where he may be dealt. The post Giannis Antetokounmpo Takes Shot at LA Amid...

Playoffs already showed Lakers what their top offseason priority needs to be

The Los Angeles Lakers didn't need long to figure out what they desperately need to address during the 2026 offseason.

Lakers Could Get Luka Doncic Back During Rockets Series: Report

Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic will be watching the team's series against the Houston Rockets from the sidelines to start off with. The post Lakers Could Get Luka Doncic Back During Rockets...

When is Luka Doncic coming back? Why Lakers' superstar isn't playing with injury news

This is a key point for the Lakers.

Massive Luka Doncic update completely reshapes Lakers' playoff outlook

The Los Angeles Lakers could get Luka Doncic back sooner than anyone thought.

What is Austin Reaves' injury return timeline? News hints at when Lakers star is coming back in playoffs

Reaves has at least a chance here.

Lakers continue to win Brandon Ingram trade as forward disappears in playoffs

Including Brandon Ingram in the trade for Anthony Davis is the gift that keeps on giving for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Lakers setting an incredibly high bar for what they expect from JJ Redick

The Los Angeles Lakers' leadership reportedly compares JJ Redick to Pat Riley internally, creating a bar that Redick will struggle to reach.

Kennard scores 27, LeBron leads Lakers to 107-98 win over Rockets in playoff opener

Luke Kennard scored a career playoff-high 27 points, LeBron James had 19 points and 13 assists, and the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers capitalized on Kevin Durant’s injury absence for a 107-98...

A Dip in the Lake: The Lakers playoff history with the Rockets

The Lakers have had a history with many teams, including this year’s matchup in the Rockets. One might not think the Lakers and Rockets have any history together, but there is one surprising link...

JJ Redick's strange strategy could make him MVP of Lakers-Rockets series

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick has a defensive strategy to muck up the Rockets' offense and enhance his own reputation in the process.

USC Acquires Florida State Center Pania Davis From Transfer Portal

USC women’s basketball reportedly acquired Florida State center Pania Davis from the transfer portal on Friday, according to On3’s Talia Goodman. Davis is the second player to transfer to USC this...

Latest LeBron James rumor may just cure Clippers fans' depression

Los Angeles Clippers fans around the world are rejoicing that Lakers megastar LeBron James is connected via rumor to the Clips in free agency.

Lakers Video: Giannis Antetokounmpo Does Not Like Los Angeles

All signs are pointing to Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo finding a new team this offseason, and the Los Angeles Lakers are one rumored landing spot. Whether the Lakers have the assets...

Lakers’ stance on Austin Reaves remains unchanged despite growing injury concerns

The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly still plan to re-sign Austin Reaves despite his injury issues dating back to last postseason.

Coach Steve Kerr uncertain about his future with the Warriors

After his 12th season with the club, which includes four NBA titles but only three playoff appearances in the last seven years, he's not sure what's next.

2025-26 NBA Playoffs First Round: Discussion thread

Welcome to the NBA playoffs. It is that time of year again, when teams chase the one main thing that they have built for all year. The NBA Championship! Some teams make it all the way to the end....

Lakers News: LeBron James Believes Thunder Are Favorites To Repeat As Champions

Despite the Los Angeles Lakers’ strong play in March, they quickly received a reality check in April by playing the Oklahoma City Thunder twice. LeBron James suited up in that first meeting and...

LeBron James old reliable action becomes pivotal against Houston

An 82-game regular season packed with turbulence ended with 53 wins and the fourth seed in a brutal Western Conference race. Following a blowout of the tanking Utah Jazz, the Lakers playoff reward...

Lakers’ offseason makeover could begin with two massive changes at the top

The Los Angeles Lakers should look to add two new starters this offseason amid a makeover to make them obvious contenders in 2026-27.

Lakers Notes: Smart, LeBron, Bronny, Schedule, Ayton

The Lakers are big underdogs in their series against the Rockets due to the injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. At least initially, that could work to the Lakers’ advantage, accoding to...

Magic Johnson Congratulates Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama On Winning Award Named After Lakers Legend

The future of the NBA appears to be bright as young superstars like Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs are emerging both on and off the court. Wembanyama is a true unicorn of a player...

Lakers just got perfect bounce-back target if Warriors expert is right

The Los Angeles Lakers will be active in free agency this summer, and the perfect bounce-back target could be hitting the market.

Revisiting each LeBron James-Kevin Durant playoff matchup

James and Durant have faced off in the postseason three times, and each matchup proved to be momentous.

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