The Los Angeles Lakers overcame significant injury concerns to defeat the Houston Rockets 107-98 in their NBA playoff opener. Without key players Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Maxi Kleber, LeBron James led the charge with 19 points, 13 assists, and eight rebounds in his 18th playoff appearance.

James controlled the floor against a Rockets team missing Kevin Durant, who suffered a bruised knee just before tip-off. Luke Kennard stepped up with a career playoff-high 27 points as a starter, helping the Lakers take the opening game of their best-of-seven series. The defending champions showed championship poise despite their depleted roster.

Lakers coach JJ Redick praised his team's mentality, saying they met the moment despite lineup challenges. Durant's injury status remains uncertain for Game 2 on Tuesday night. The Oklahoma City Thunder begin their title defense Sunday night against the Phoenix Suns, who earned their playoff berth by winning the play-in tournament. Other opening day winners included the Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets, and New York Knicks.