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Kevin Durant is on the cusp of becoming the NBA’s fifth all-time leading scorer
Most of the NBA world doubts that the Houston Rockets will be taken down by the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
Recently, the Lakers lost two key players in Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
The former is dealing with a hamstring strain, which came at a time when he was earning major MVP hype down the stretch of the season.
As for Reaves, he’s battling an oblique injury, which could take several weeks to heal. Both stars’ availability for the NBA Playoffs is in jeopardy, but Kevin Durant is not seeing the situation the same way the masses are.
Following a practice session on Wednesday, the Rockets’ superstar forward addressed his mindset on the Lakers heading into the first-round series.
Kevin Durant Addresses Mentality Against The Luka-Less Lakers
GettyLOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 12: Lakers forward LeBron James, #23, right, congratulates Lakers guard Luka Doncic after he sank a three-point shot, totaling 51 points for the game against the Bulls in the second half at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles Thursday, March 12, 2026. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
“They got guys that can step up and fill some of those roles that they were missing,” Durant told reporters after practice. “They are obviously missing two of their best players in the league. That’s tough to make up for, but they got a few guys that can come in and make an impact. We got our work cut out for us.”
Durant knows better than to overlook an opponent that he’ll have to face at least four times over the next two weeks or so.
And while LeBron James might not be in his prime anymore, he still remains a high-caliber player who deserves plenty of respect as an opponent, especially in the postseason.
When Do The Lakers-Rockets Tip Off?
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 26: Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers hug after the Lakers defeated the Suns, 100-95, at Crypto.com Arena on October 26, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Durant scored a game high 39 points. 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. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
The Lakers and the Rockets will begin Game 1 of their series on Saturday, April 18. The game begins at 8:30 PM ET.
Saturday’s action will mark the fourth clash between the Lakers and the Rockets this year. The two teams first met on December 25. The Rockets came out on top with a 119-96 win over the Lakers.
In late March, the Lakers paid a visit to the Rockets amid their hot streak. Luka Doncic led the Lakers to two straight wins over Durant’s Rockets.
Houston still has the losses in their mind from one month ago. They’ll look for revenge over the weekend.
Justin Grasso Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso
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