Luke Kennard erupted for a career playoff‑high 27 points as the short‑handed Los Angeles Lakers knocked off the Houston Rockets 107‑98 in Game 1. LeBron James added 19 points and 13 assists, while Deandre Ayton posted a double‑double. Both sides missed key stars—Durant’s bruised knee and Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves sidelined—yet the Lakers’ 60.6% shooting eclipsed Houston’s 37.6% and he also grabbed four rebounds.

Marcus Smart contributed 15 points, eight assists and four triples, embodying the ‘will‑power’ he warned about before the series. Alperen Sengun led Houston with 19, while Jabari Smith Jr. recorded 16 and 12 rebounds. Rockets’ rookie Amen Thompson added 17, but inconsistent offense left them chasing missed opportunities, coach Ime Udoka lamented, and kept the tempo fast.

The victory gives the fourth‑seeded Lakers a 1‑0 edge despite fielding the league’s fewest shot attempts in three seasons. With Durant’s status uncertain and the Rockets now trailing their regular‑season rival, Los Angeles can leverage its defensive intensity and depth as the series shifts to home court Tuesday. Still, if Houston hopes to stay alive, they must tighten defense and find scoring from their bench.