Kennard's playoff career-high fuels Lakers past Rockets in Game 1
Luke Kennard scored a playoff career-high 27 as the short-handed Lakers beat the Houston Rockets 107-98 in Game 1 of the first-round series, with LeBron James adding 19 points and 13 assists. LA shot 60.6% while Houston was limited to 37.6%, and a strong collective effort, plus contributions from the bench, helped the Lakers overcome injuries to their top scorers. Deandre Ayton had 19 points and 11 rebounds for LA, while Alperen Sengun led Houston with 19 points and 11 rebounds and Jabari Smith Jr. added 16 points and 12 boards; Amen Thompson contributed 17. Game 2 is Tuesday in Los Angeles.
