Lakers take 2-0 lead on Rockets

The Los Angeles Lakers have defied expectations by winning the first two games of their playoff series against the Houston Rockets without star guard Luka Doncic.

LeBron James anchored the effort in Game 2, supported by a standout defensive performance from Marcus Smart, who successfully limited Kevin Durant's impact.

The Rockets struggled with turnovers and poor shooting, leaving their postseason hopes in jeopardy as the series heads back to Houston.

Meanwhile, the Lakers' 'new Big Three' of James, Smart, and Luke Kennard has emerged as a formidable force in the early stages of the tournament.