The Los Angeles Lakers opened the NBA play‑offs with a 107‑98 victory over the Houston Rockets, despite missing Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Maxi Kleber.
LeBron James, 41, delivered 19 points, 13 assists and eight rebounds, while Luke Kennard hit a career play‑off best 27 points. Houston lost Kevin Durant to a knee injury before tip‑off, though he may return for game two.
Elsewhere, the Cavaliers, Nuggets and Knicks also won, while the Suns and Magic advanced from the play‑in tournament.
