- Marcus Smart understands the value of a second-chance in LA: ‘Redeem myself’ NY Post —
- Lakers coach JJ Redick cites private conversation as team wins again USA Today —
- LeBron James nets 28, Lakers grab 2-0 lead on Rockets in NBA Playoff series Al Jazeera —
- LeBron scores 28, leads short-handed Lakers past Durant's Rockets again 101-94 for 2-0 series lead ABC News —
- Lakers beat Rockets in Game 2 with a new Big Three Los Angeles Times —
- Lakers beat Rockets to take 2-0 lead in first round of playoffs ABC7 Los Angeles —
- LeBron scores 28, leads Lakers past Durant's Rockets for 2-0 series lead AP News —
- Smart's defense on KD helps Lakers to 2-0 lead ESPN —
- Plaschke: It's over! Lakers prove they're better than the overmatched Rockets Los Angeles Times —
- Follow live: Lakers host Rockets in Game 2 ESPN —
Lakers take 2-0 series lead
The Los Angeles Lakers have taken firm control of their first-round series against the Rockets after another gritty performance at Crypto.com Arena.
LeBron James added eight rebounds and seven assists to his scoring total, while Marcus Smart delivered a standout defensive performance against Durant.
The Rockets struggled to find their rhythm offensively, with Durant's return failing to spark the necessary adjustments to overcome the Lakers' intensity.
Houston now heads home facing a critical Game 3, needing to solve the Lakers' defensive schemes to avoid a 3-0 deficit.
Los Angeles Lakers
American professional basketball team
American professional basketball team
Houston Rockets
National Basketball Association team in Houston, Texas
National Basketball Association team in Houston, Texas
Kevin Durant
American basketball player
American basketball player
Marcus Smart
American basketball player (born 1994)
American basketball player (born 1994)