Trending Now - Lakers' Victory Highlights Lebron's Brilliance and Team Depth

WHO:

NBC Sports - LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard, Alperen Sengun, JJ Redick

NBC Sports - Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets

WHAT:

NBC Sports - The Los Angeles Lakers won Game 2 of their playoff series against the Houston Rockets with a score of 101-94.

NBC Sports - LeBron James scored 28 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists in the game.

NBC Sports - Marcus Smart scored 25 points, seven assists, and five steals, while Luke Kennard scored 23 points and six rebounds.

NBC Sports - The Lakers are now leading the series 2-0.

WHERE:

NBC Sports - The game took place in Los Angeles, California.

WHEN:

NBC Sports - The game occurred on April 21st, 2026.

NBC Sports - The next game in the series is scheduled for April 24th, 2026.

WHY:

NBC Sports - The Lakers' defense forced Kevin Durant into nine turnovers and held him to three points in the second half.

NBC Sports - The Lakers were able to step up due to injuries sidelining Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

HOW:

NBC Sports - The Lakers employed a defensive strategy that involved double-teaming Alperen Sengun and throwing multiple defenders at Kevin Durant.

NBC Sports - The Lakers shot 24.1% from three-point range as a team, indicating struggles from the Rockets' shooters.

(UPDATED April 22, 2026 23:15 UTC)

The Los Angeles Lakers secured a victory in Game 2 of their playoff series against the Houston Rockets, winning 101 to 94 in Los Angeles on Tuesday. LeBron James led the Lakers with 28 points, while Marcus Smart contributed 25 points and Luke Kennard added 23 points, helping the team take a 2-0 lead in the series. The Lakers' defense was key, forcing Kevin Durant into nine turnovers and limiting him to just three points in the second half, as they prepared for the next game April 24th.