On Saturday night, the Los Angeles Lakers are playing the Houston Rockets (at home) for Game 1 of their first-round playoff series.
LeBron James got off to a strong start with six points, three rebounds, ten assists, one steal and one block while shooting 3/7 from the field in his first 18 minutes of playing time.
NBA Star LeBron James Made History
GettyLeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles past Josh Okogie #20 of the Houston Rockets during the first half of Game One of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 18, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
James also made NBA history with his performance in the first half.
Real App wrote: “LeBron James is the oldest player in NBA playoff history to record 10+ AST in half. He did it with 0 turnovers”
He did it with 0 turnovers 🤯
James had finished the 2025-26 regular season with averages of 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 7.2 assists and 1.2 steals per contest while shooting 51.5% from the field and 31.7% from three-point range in 60 games.
At 41, he is still one of the elite players in the NBA.
ESPN Insights wrote: “The King is at it again 👑 LeBron James’ 10 1st half assists are tied for his most in any half of his postseason career! His teammates shot 10-13 (77%) off his passes, the 3rd-highest FG pct (min. 10 FGA) in any playoff half since ESPN began tracking assist opportunities in 2014.”
Lebron James’ 10 1st half assists are tied for his most in any half of his postseason career!
His teammates shot 10-13 (77%) off his passes, the 3rd-highest FG pct (min. 10 FGA) in any playoff half since ESPN began tracking assist opportunities in
Lakers Right Now
GettyLeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to making a shot during the first half of Game One of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena on April 18, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
The Lakers finished the regular season as the fourth seed in the Western Conference with a 53-29 record.
They are 28-13 in 41 games at home.
Underdog NBA wrote: “First-half shooting: Rockets – 15-41 (36.6%) Lakers – 22-34 (64.7%) Los Angeles shot better than 64.7% in the first half in just 2 of 82 regular-season games this year.”
GettyLeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the second half against the Houston Rockets atToyota Center on March 18, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
Despite their strong regular season, the team is dealing with injuries to Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic.
James will have a big task carrying the Lakers without his two best teammates.
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin wrote (before the game): “JJ Redick says he talked to Luka Doncic yesterday when he landed back in Los Angeles and Doncic was in good spirits. Redick is looking forward to having Doncic around the group for Game 1″
GettyLakers forward LeBron James, #23, right, congratulates Lakers guard Luka Doncic after he sank a three-point shot, totaling 51 points for the game against the Bulls in the second half at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles Thursday, March 12, 2026.
Game 2 of the series will be on Tuesday before the teams head to Houston for Games 3 and 4.
James is in his eighth season playing for the Lakers.
NBA Star LeBron James Made History In Rockets-Lakers Game