On Saturday night, the Los Angeles Lakers played the Houston Rockets (at home) for Game 1 of their first-round playoff series.
The Lakers won by a score of 107-98 to take a 1-0 lead.
Luke Kennard led the way with 27 points, four rebounds and three assists while shooting 9/13 from the field and 5/5 from three-point range in 38 minutes of playing time.
Real App wrote: “Luke Kennard just tied the Lakers record for the most threes made in a playoff debut.”
Magic Johnson Reacts To Rockets-Lakers Game
GettyEarvin “Magic” Johnson discusses the upcoming Los Angeles Lakers’ season at UCLA Health Training Center on September 20, 2018 in El Segundo, California.
After the game, Basketball Hall of Famer (and Lakers legend) Magic Johnson sent out a post (via X).
Johnson wrote: “The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Houston Rockets 107-97 in Game 1! They had five guys in double figures led by Luke Kennard’s 27 points, Deandre Ayton and LeBron both added 19 points, Marcus Smart 15 points, and Rui Hachimara finished with 14 points!
If LeBron continues to get this type of support from his teammates, the Lakers have a good chance of winning the Series against the Rockets!”
If LeBron continues to get
NBA Fans React To Johnson’s Post
GettyEarvin “Magic” Johnson, president of basketball operations of the Los Angeles Lakers, speaks during media day September 25, 2017, in El Segundo, California.
Here’s what people were saying in response to Jonhson:
@CoachLeon11: “You do know we didn’t have KD for this game…right? Smh”
@FroemelAndy: “The Lakers played a great game. The whole team showed up. Imagine when Luka comes back?”
@Lakers_310: “Magic Johnson strikes yet again. Thanks for the update, legend.”
@Luke15438420: “You mean if the Lakers carry LeBron to wins, they can win?”
Looking Ahead For Lakers
GettyLeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after making a three point shot during the second 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 will host the Rockets on Tuesday for Game 2.
They improved to 29-13 in the 42 games they have played at home in Los Angeles.
Playing without Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic will be tough, but the team proved that they can compete without two of their best three players.
ESPN Insights wrote: “Luke Kennard is the third Lakers player to shoot 5-5 or better from 3-point in a playoff game, joining:
🏀 Robert Horry: 7-7 3-pt on May 6, 1997 at Jazz
🏀 Byron Scott: 5-5 3-pt on May 5, 1991 vs. Warriors”
🏀 Robert Horry: 7-7 3-pt on May 6, 1997 at Jazz
🏀 Byron Scott: 5-5 3-pt on May 5, 1991 vs. Warriors
The Lakers are coming off a season where they lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs (in five games).
They last made the Western Conference finals during the 2023 season (and won a title in 2020).
NBA Legend Magic Johnson Reacts To Rockets-Lakers Game