Game 2 is tomorrow night. Today’s story on how the Lakers are approaching a chance to take a 2-0 series lead over the Houston Rockets, who could be without Kevin Durant again + getting Luka Doncic back in the building.
More on @ocregister.bsky.social:
www.ocregister.com/2026/04/20/h...
Lakers coach JJ Redick ahead of Game 2 vs. the Houston Rockets on Tuesday. Lakers lead the series 1-0:
“We know that they're going to be a more desperate team in game two, and we have to play with the same sense of desperation.”
Rui Hachimura on Luka Doncic being back:
“I think people don't know that how much impact that Luka has — not just on the court but off the court.”
“We love him just being around, just hanging out … We happy that he's back finally. And, he's doing funny things like always.”
Jaxson Hayes said Monday at practice that he received his Slovenian passport.
"That's all (Luka Doncic's) been telling me. He's been saying, 'My Slovenian brother,' every time."
"I don't know a single word! Except for -- I know a few, but I can't say them in front of you guys."
Jaxson Hayes said Monday at practice that he received his Slovenian passport.
"That's all (Luka Doncic's) been telling me. He's been saying, 'My Slovenian brother,' every time."
"I don't know a single word! Except for -- I know a few, but I can't say them in front of you guys."
Luke Doncic will not be MVP. But who could be?
That + all awards finalists were revealed. No Lakers or Clippers among them.
More on @ocregister.bsky.social: www.ocregister.com/2026/04/19/n...
“It’s one of the greatest feelings for sure, to have that – to know they’re (cheering) for you,” Luke Kennard told @ocregister.bsky.social.
I spoke to Kennard about the Game 1 win, his career night, his role, and what it’s like to hear the Lakers crowd roar: www.ocregister.com/2026/04/19/l...
Now, that was grit. Lakers take Game 1.
And the Lakers backed up their talk, the dialogue about togetherness, heading into battle against the Houston Rockets.
“We just showed it. It was never just one person at a time, right?”
More on @ocregister.bsky.social: www.ocregister.com/2026/04/18/l...
Game 1 is the Lakers to have. They win 107-98.
The Lakers guarantee a return to Los Angeles in this first round already. A great start for a team still learning what life is like without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Luke Kennard had a playoff career-high of 27 points.
End of third Q: Lakers 75, Rockets 66
Again, could be a bigger lead. But this has been a really resilient effort from the Lakers to hold the Rockets to 33.3% shooting, even without Kevin Durant available.
Old-school postseason vibe, for scoring's concerned, at Crypto.
Halftime: Lakers 50, Rockets 48
Lakers are shooting 64.7%. Rockets are shooting 36.6%. Feels like they should be up more, but 11 Lakers turnovers (for 11 Rockets pts) is stunting growth.
Ayton has 12 pts, Kennard has 11. LeBron has 6 pts, 10 asts. Rockets made 13 free throws.
LeBron James recorded eight assists in the first quarter tonight vs. Houston, a career high for assists in any quarter of a playoff game.
LeBron James' ninth first-half assist is a Jarred Vanderbilt 3-pointer from the corner to make it 38-31.
End of the 1st: Lakers 33, Rockets 29
Great shot-making, inspired basketball. Luke Kennard has 11 (5/6), LeBron James has 4 pts, 8 asts. Team is shooting 15-19 in the first Q compared to Houston's 52.4% on 11-21.
Rockets running through Sengun.
JJ Redick calls timeout after Sengun gets the better of Ayton for the second time tonight in the paint.
Lakers shooting 80% early (8/10) while LeBron James had four points and four assists.
Lakers leading 17-14 with 6:11 remaining.
Marcus Smart picks up an early foul trying to stop a Josh Okogie layup after a Lakers turnover.
Dodgers special advisor Farhan Zaidi is here tonight at Game 1 of the first round of Lakers-Rockets.
Zaidi, along with Dodgers president of baseball ops Andrew Friedman, have assisted Rob Pelinka since the ownership transition.
Story for @ocregister.bsky.social on the news that Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant will be out for Game 1 of the first round against the Lakers with a right knee injury:
www.ocregister.com/2026/04/18/r...
Starting lineup for Lakers-Rockets
Ime Udoka says Kevin Durant is OUT for Game 1 vs. Lakers.
Lakers coach JJ Redick ahead of Game 1 vs. Houston:
“I think our guys, both from a mental and physical standpoint, are prepared to go tonight.”
Game 1, ringing in 23.
Good deal. Good present.
Lakers coach JJ Redick said he hasn’t seen Luka Doncic (Grade 2 left hamstring strain) since he returned from Europe on Friday, but he spoke to him on the phone after he landed.
“He’s in good spirits and we’re excited to see him today.”
Welcome to Playoff basketball. Here’s a look at the Game 1 shirts in the crowd:
Houston lists Kevin Durant as QUESTIONABLE for Game 1 of the first round vs. Lakers with a right knee contusion.
What do the Rockets offer in all areas of the game? How do their statistics line up with the Lakers?
What do you need to know — and what do I think will happen?
All here in this scouting report and prediction on Houston. Read here: www.ocregister.com/2026/04/17/l...
“Elevate.”
JJ Redick’s word of choice says it all.
Without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves at his disposal, creativity and punching up all facets of their game are front of mine for the Lakers before Game 1 on Saturday at 5:30 p.m.
Read here: www.ocregister.com/2026/04/17/h...
Let’s get you loaded in on Lakers-Rockets.
Two stories here online at @ocregister.bsky.social from Friday — and in Saturday print ⬇️
