LeBron James and the short-handed Lakers surprise Rockets 107-98 in playoff opener
AP News
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Luke Kennard scored a career playoff-high 27 points, LeBron James had 19 points and 13 assists, and the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers capitalized on Kevin Durant’s injury absence for a 107-98 victory over the Houston Rockets in the opener of their first-round playoff series.
Deandre Ayton had 19 points and 11 rebounds for the fourth-seeded Lakers, who pulled off an impressive win without their top two scorers.
Alperen Sengun scored 19 points and Jabari Smith Jr. had 16 points and 12 rebounds for the fifth-seeded Rockets, who finished one game behind Los Angeles in the regular season.
Amen Thompson added 17 points.
Lakers upset Rockets in Game 1
- Lakers role player makes history in Game 1 against Rockets, could he save the season next? NY Post —
- Luke Kennard provides a jolt of Luka magic, helping the Lakers beat the Rockets Los Angeles Times —
- Kennard, James team to upset Rockets in opener ESPN —
- LeBron James and Lakers ground Rockets in Game 1 of playoff series The Japan Times —
- Depleted Lakers take advantage of Kevin Durant-less Rockets in Game 1 victory NY Post —