The Los Angeles Lakers are without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. The Houston Rockets were without Kevin Durant, who was a late scratch with a right knee contusion. On paper, Game 1 of their first-round series on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena had every reason to be a mess.
It was not. LeBron James made sure of that.
James finished with 19 points, 13 assists, and eight rebounds as the Lakers pulled away for a 107-98 victory and a 1-0 series lead. In his 23rd NBA season, at 41 years old, James controlled the game from the opening tip, setting teammates up before finding his own rhythm. After the final buzzer, he delivered a message that should concern the Rockets heading into Game 2.
What LeBron Said After the Win
GettyLeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers.
James was direct when asked about how he processes the challenges a playoff opponent can throw at him.
“The only thing that’s predetermined in my game is how I prepare,” James said. “Once I get out there, it’s all about reading, reacting. I understand the situations. I’ve been in every situation you can ever imagine as a basketball player. So there’s nothing that can surprise me.”
The words carried the weight of someone who has played more games than any player in NBA history. Defensive adjustments, new coverages, different looks. James has seen all of it. The Rockets will have a couple of days before Game 2 to devise a plan. Whatever they come up with, James is already ahead of it.
Before the series, Rockets coach Ime Udoka talked about wanting to mix up defensive coverages to keep James uncomfortable. Saturday suggested that approach has its limits.
“I got to do a little bit of everything. That’s what the job requires. I’ve been in every situation you can ever imagine as a basketball player so there’s nothing that can surprise me”
How the Lakers Won Without Their Stars
James was the engine, but Luke Kennard was the story. The veteran guard, acquired from Atlanta in February, delivered a game-high 27 points on 9-of-13 shooting, going a perfect 5-of-5 from three. It was his first 20-point game as a Laker and a performance that left his teammates searching for words.
“He is the number one shooter in the NBA,” Deandre Ayton said. “He’s doing it in the playoffs where it really counts. My word is speechless, to be honest.”
Kennard was equally clear about what James brought to the night.
“He trusts everyone on the court,” Kennard said. “He gives confidence to everyone.”
James set the tone early, distributing eight assists in the first quarter alone to get teammates involved and keep the focus off who was not on the floor. The Lakers led 33-29 after one and never looked back.
A Moment for the History Books
GettyLos Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James and Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James.
Saturday also produced one of the more remarkable moments in NBA history. In the second quarter of a live playoff game, James shared the court with his son Bronny James. Not at the end of a blowout. In the middle of a competitive first-round game that still had to be won.
James did not let the moment pass without acknowledging what it meant.
“I was on the floor with my son. In a playoff game,” James said. “That’s probably the craziest thing that’s ever happened to me in my career. It was so cool to be out there with him, with his brother and his sister and his mom in the building. And his grandma. My mom gets to watch her son and her grandson during the playoffs. That’s crazy.”
Final Word for the Lakers
Game 1 belongs to the Lakers. Kennard delivered when the team needed him most. James controlled the game without needing to dominate it. And a moment that may never happen again in NBA history unfolded in the second quarter.
Game 2 is Tuesday. The Rockets will adjust. James has seen every adjustment this league can throw at him.
Saturday was just another reminder of that.
Lakers’ LeBron James Sends Strong Warning to Rockets After Game 1 Win