Rockets heavy favorites entering first round series
HOUSTON, TX – MARCH 16: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball while defended by Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets during the game on March 16, 2026 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images) (Logan Riely, 2026 NBAE)
HOUSTON – It’s playoff time in the NBA and there’s nothing like the energy the postseason produces.
Right out of the gates, the Rockets and Lakers will duke it out when that first round series opens Saturday night in Los Angeles. The Lakers will also host game two on Tuesday before the series shifts to Houston and Toyota Center.
With the Lakers missing two major starts in Luka Doncic and Austin Reeves, all eyes will be on 41-year-old LeBron James.
Does L-J have enough left in the tank to help the Lakers pull off the upset? Probably not as the Rockets go in as heavy favorites.
This series marks the 4th postseason battle between James and now 37-year-old Kevin Durant with Durant leading the head to head 9-5.
This marks their first playoff matchup since 2018. Overall, Durant and James have met in three NBA Finals with Durant winning two of the three meetings.
The Rockets returned to practice on Wednesday at their training facility and Durant spoke with the media.
Copyright 2026 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.
About the AuthorRandy McIlvoy headshotRandy McIlvoy
KPRC 2 Sports Director since 2004. Covers the Astros, Texans, Rockets, Dynamo, Dash and a few hundred local high schools across the Greater Houston Area
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