LeBron James, Luke Kennard go off in Lakers’ Game 1 win over Rockets

The Los Angeles Lakers handed head coach JJ Redick confidence and assurance experience will prevail Saturday. The likes of LeBron James and Luke Kennard provided just that and more against the Houston Rockets.

James delivered the double-double in his latest NBA Playoffs appearance. Kennard dropped a team-high 27, though, in leading the 107-98 win inside Crypto Arena.

James scored 19 points while dishing out 13 assists. He delivered those marks playing in 38 minutes on the floor. The four-time NBA champion even came within two rebounds of putting together a triple-double. James hit a new postseason accolade as well according to ESPN Research.

“LeBron James’ 10 1st half assists are tied for his most in any half of his postseason career,” the account posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “His teammates shot 10-13 (77%) off his passes, the third-highest FG pct (minimum 10 field goal attempts) in any playoff half since ESPN began tracking assist opportunities in 2014.”

He even hit a left-handed basket late in the game…which is his non-dominant hand.

THE POWER & SKILL ON DISPLAY FROM LEBRON HERE pic.twitter.com/mRzsl813XV

— NBA (@NBA) April 19, 2026

He added two steals and one block on the defensive side for the Game 1 winners. But he shared another historic moment early in the game: Joining Bronny James in becoming the first father-and-son duo to play in a postseason game.

LeBron James and Bronny James shared the floor in the first half

What a moment for the James family! pic.twitter.com/tHlPo2NCUz

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 19, 2026

Kennard stole the show on the shooting end, though. He nailed from long range with his quick 3-point releases.

Luke Kennard is COOKING in Game 1

He has 24 points on 8-of-11 shooting so far tonight! pic.twitter.com/96oex8NPvy

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 19, 2026

Kennard attempted five from behind the arc, banking all of his 3-point opportunities. He even hit Robert Horry territory, becoming the first player since the seven-time champion in 1997 to nail all five threes.

Kennard even earned a “smart as hell” label from James himself before the first round series. The 27-year-old smartly carried LA from the 3-point line.

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