Lakers Lead Rockets 2-0

The Los Angeles Lakers continued their surprising postseason surge with a gritty Game 2 victory over the Houston Rockets.

LeBron James led the way for the shorthanded Lakers, who are playing without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

Marcus Smart's defensive intensity proved pivotal in containing Kevin Durant, who struggled to find his rhythm throughout the contest.

The Rockets now head home to Houston facing a formidable deficit and mounting questions about their offensive cohesion.