When it comes to the Los Angeles Lakers, they just might be the most-doubted team in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
Just weeks before their first-round battle against the Houston Rockets, the Lakers learned that they could be without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves throughout the entire series.
On paper, that gives the Rockets a massive advantage, especially considering how dominant Doncic was during the previous two meetings between the Lakers and the Rockets.
The NBA legend Charles Barkley isn’t stepping outside the box for his prediction on the series. Knowing who is likely on the injury report for Game 1 and probably several others, the legendary hooper has strong expectations for Houston.
Charles Barkley Makes His Prediction for Lakers-Rockets
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 10: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a play during the fourth quarter of the Emirates NBA Cup quarterfinal against the San Antonio Spurs at Crypto.com Arena on December 10, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
“Are those boys going to play? Luka [Doncic] and [Austin] Reaves?” Barkley said, knowing the answer is no.
“That’s a wrap! The Rockets are going to advance! If those two guys don’t play, the Rockets are going to beat the Lakers. I don’t even think that’s a close series without them two. The Rockets are getting a huge break.”
The Rockets struggled against the Lakers over the past two seasons.
Last year, the Rockets won their first game against LA, before dropping the other two. The final game on April 11, 2025, was a total blowout. Luka Doncic dropped 39 points in 31 minutes.
This season, the Rockets destroyed the Lakers on national TV for the NBA’s Christmas Day slate. A 119-96 victory felt like the Rockets exposed the Lakers.
However, they clapped back with two wins over the Rockets in three days. Comfortable victories that included Luka masterclasses.
Do The Rockets Catch A Break?
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 18: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates with Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on March 18, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
It’s hard to argue with Barkley’s point.
Doncic officially finished the 2025-2026 NBA season as the scoring champion. He wrapped up the year by averaging 33.5 points per game, along with 8.3 assists per game and 7.7 rebounds per game.
In his last five games against the Rockets, Doncic averaged 32.0 points, 7.4 assists, and 6.8 rebounds per game.
As for Reaves, he wrapped up the regular season averaging 23.3 points per game, on 36.0% shooting from deep. He also produced 5.5 assists per game and 4.7 rebounds per game.
The Lakers will rely heavily on LeBron James. While experience is a major in the NBA Playoffs, and it’s something that James has plenty of, the lack of star power around James at this stage of his career is surely concerning.