Even without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Houston Rockets in Game 1 of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, with some strong performances from LeBron James, Luke Kennard, and others.
However, while the Lakers do have a 1-0 series lead, after what was a franchise record night of shotmaking, their Game 1 performance over the weekend could have been a ‘fluke’ according to one insider, which might not bode well for the rest of the series against Houston.
Amid new injury updates on Doncic and Reaves, the Lakers were recently urged to calm expectations heading into Game 2, as, despite having the series lead, they are by no means in the clear for the first round.
Lakers Get Bad News Ahead Of Game 2 After Historic Game 1 Performance
GettyLos Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James looks on during a game against the Rockets. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
According to Zach Kram of ESPN, the Lakers had a historic shooting night in their Game 1 victory against the Rockets on Saturday. But as he said, it ‘might have been a fluke,’ and Los Angeles shouldn’t expect a similar outcome in any of the remaining games in the series.
“The Lakers’ Game 1 victory might have been a fluke, their apparent domination a mirage,” he wrote. “Underlying stats and recent playoff history offer warning signs for the victorious Lakers — and a reason for calm and patience for the Rockets — as the squads prepare for a crucial Game 2 on Tuesday.”
The Lakers had their highest effective field goal percentage in franchise history in Game 1, and were a plus-16.7% in ‘shotmaking,’ which was the highest of all 16 teams playing in the first round.
James and Kennard led the way for Los Angeles, finishing with 63% and 88% effective field goal percentages, respectively, but according to Kram, keeping that up is unlikely.
“It’s not impossible that the Lakers will follow that path against the Rockets. But it is improbable,” he wrote. “It might not seem that way after Game 1’s mismatch, but the Rockets have a clear path forward. That starts with the Lakers’ shooting falling back to earth on Tuesday night.”
There’s no doubt the Lakers are satisfied with their Game 1 win, but heading into Game 2, being able to re-create what they accomplished over the weekend remains a tall task.
Kram also said that based on the Lakers’ shooting, they should have won by a lot more than their nine-point victory. That, along with that fact Los Angeles lost the rebounding and turnover battle, areas they were focused on, could become big concerns if they don’t get off to another hot start in Game 2.
New Luka Doncic And Austin Reaves Injury Updates Before Game 2
Speaking on NBA Today, insider Shams Charania offered new injury updates on potential returns for both Doncic and Reaves in the Lakers vs Rockets series.
“The sense around the Lakers is that Austin Reaves is actually the one that’s further along than Luka Doncic in their respective rehab processes. I am told Austin Reaves has started 1 on 1 on court work,” he said. “The Lakers are not expecting Luka Doncic to be back in this series. He is out indefinitely.”
So, the Lakers now have hope that Reaves has sped up his original four-to-six-week recovery timeline, and could get back on the court at some point in this series. Doncic, however, remains out, and likely won’t return against the Rockets, regardless of how long the series goes, despite his trip to Spain for additional treatment on his hamstring injury.
Head coach JJ Redick has maintained hope that one or both of the two stars could come back at some point in the series, but at this point, or at least until new injury updates emerge, Reaves has a higher chance of returning from his oblique strain.
– Lakers not expecting Doncic to return in Round 1 – Reaves further along than Doncic in rehab process – Reaves has started 1-on-1 on-court work; needs to go through 3-on-3 and 5-on-5 – Reaves tracking to return late
But for now, the Lakers will hope James, Kennard, Deandre Ayton, and the rest of the cast can recreate what they did in their historic Game 1. It will be a tough task, but amid Kevin Durant‘s uncertain status for Game 2, it’s fair to say the door is still open on Los Angeles taking a 2-0 series lead.
Game 2 of the Lakers vs Rockets first round playoff series tips off on Tuesday, April 20, at 7:30 pm PST and will be live on NBC and Peacock.
Lakers Get Bad News Before Game 2 Amid Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves Updates