- Kevin Durant injury changes everything: The Lakers could win this NY Post —
- Kennard, James team to upset Rockets in opener ESPN —
- Kennard scores 27, LeBron leads Lakers to surprising 107-98 win over Rockets in playoff opener ABC7 Los Angeles —
- LeBron James and the short-handed Lakers surprise Rockets 107-98 in playoff opener AP News —
- Depleted Lakers take advantage of Kevin Durant-less Rockets in Game 1 victory NY Post —
- LeBron James and Lakers ground Rockets in Game 1 of playoff series The Japan Times —
- LeBron, Lakers shock Rockets with Game 1 win in NBA playoffs Al Jazeera —
- Luke Kennard, LeBron James lead Lakers to Game 1 win over Kevin Durant-less Rockets NY Post —
- Rockets Announce Unfortunate Game 1 Decision on Kevin Durant Newsweek —
- Durant out for G1 vs. Lakers with knee contusion ESPN —
- Rockets star Kevin Durant to miss Game 1 of Lakers series Los Angeles Times —
- Kevin Durant injury: Rockets star ruled out for Game 1 vs. Lakers after hurting knee in practice CBS Sports —
Lakers stun Rockets in opener
Luke Kennard scored a career playoff-high 27 points to lead the short-handed Lakers to a statement win at Crypto.com Arena.
LeBron James contributed 19 points and 13 assists, while Deandre Ayton added a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds.
The Rockets struggled to find their offensive rhythm without Durant, who was ruled out just 90 minutes before tipoff with a right knee contusion.
The victory shifts momentum in the series as the fourth-seeded Lakers prove they can win without their full roster.
Kevin Durant
American basketball player
American basketball player
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
Luke Kennard
American basketball player
American basketball player