James scores 19+8+13, Kennard hits 5-of-5 threes for 27 points; Lakers defeat Rockets to take 1-0 series lead.

On April 19, in Game 1 of the Western Conference NBA playoffs first round, the Lakers defeated the Rockets 107-98 at home, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.

Lakers: Kennard 27 points, Ayton 19 points 11 rebounds, James 19 points 8 rebounds 13 assists, Smart 15 points 8 assists 2 blocks, Hachimura 14 points 3 steals 2 blocks; Rockets: Sengun 19 points 8 rebounds 6 assists, Amen 17 points 7 rebounds 7 assists, Shepherd 17 points 8 assists, Smith 16 points 12 rebounds, Eason 16 points 10 rebounds 3 steals.

In the first quarter, both sides were tied at 4-4 early. Hachimura and James scored via jump shots, then James easily used a mid-range shot to outplay Sengun. Hachimura hit a three-pointer, Kennard and Ayton then dominated inside. Smith and Shepherd fired from outside, Sengun and Shepherd showed their mid-range prowess, Shepherd and Smith added long-range shots, keeping the game tight. The Lakers held a slight 26-24 lead. They maintained the advantage, ending the quarter 33-29.

In the second quarter, James hit a pull-up jumper at the free-throw line, Vanderbilt connected from deep, then Ayton's inside attack showed power. The Lakers began scoring from multiple sources, helping them build a 48-38 10-point lead. Okogie and Amen's combined drives allowed the Rockets to counter and stay within reach. At halftime, the Lakers led 50-48.

In the third quarter, the teams were tied again at 54-54 early. The Lakers gradually displayed their superior strength. Hachimura and Kennard hit consecutive threes, James powered through with bulldozing drives, Laravia bullied Sengun inside, and the Lakers activated all areas to take a 73-63 10-point lead. They comfortably maintained the advantage, ending the quarter 75-66.

In the fourth quarter, Shepherd hit a long-range shot to help the Rockets chase. Hachimura scored with consecutive jump shots, Kennard, James, and Smart then hit five straight threes, pushing the Lakers to a 94-80 spread. From then on, the Lakers firmly held their advantage; the Rockets couldn't close the gap, and the Lakers secured the win.

Starting Lineups

Lakers: James, Hachimura, Ayton, Smart, Kennard

Rockets: Amen, Smith, Sengun, Okogie, Shepherd