Houston Rockets v Los Angeles Lakers<\/p>\n
LeBron James vs Kevin Durant, two of the greatest basketball players of all time, meet again in the playoffs for the first time since the 2018 NBA Finals.<\/p>\n
With the Lakers missing two of their three best players, superstar Luka Doncic and offensive spark plug Austin Reaves both injured, the Rockets were expecting an easy ride to the second round.<\/p>\n
However, with Durant missing Game 1 and James seemingly winding the clock back to his prime years, the Lakers won 98-107.<\/p>\n
Durant was cleared of his injury and returned to the Rockets roster for Game 2, but even with the Rockets at full strength they still couldn\u2019t stop the 41-year-old James.<\/p>\n
Houston led for most of the first quarter, their biggest lead being only four points. The Lakers took the lead late in the first quarter and only gave the lead back for one possession in the third quarter.<\/p>\n
James led the game with 28 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, gaining help from former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart, who managed 25 points, eight assists and five steals.<\/p>\n
Three-time NBA three-point percentage leader Luke Kennard added 23 points of his own as the Lakers cruised to a 2-0 series lead with a 94-101 win at home.<\/p>\n
With the series headed down to Houston, the Rockets will look to re-gain some control with their home crowd behind them.<\/p>\n
The Lakers are a team to watch out for in the playoffs as both Doncic and Reaves have returned to practice and are both expected to make a return to the hardwood soon.<\/p>\n