The Lakers’ offense clicked from the start, with LeBron James—still engaged and productive at age 41—facilitating the attack and collecting eight assists in the first quarter. Luke Kennard, acquired at the trade deadline, added a game-high 27 points by thriving from beyond the arc to help push Los Angeles ahead.
Durant watched from the sidelines as Houston struggled to keep pace, a reminder that the Rockets face a steep challenge ahead in the series despite momentum shifts after one game. Rockets coach Ime Udoka showed visible frustration as his team tried to respond to the Lakers’ early surge.
Durant’s injury status for Game 2 remained uncertain as of Monday evening, with the Rockets listing him as questionable. The veteran forward, who turned 37 this season, has long been one of the league’s most durable postseason performers, making his potential absence particularly consequential.
Shams Charania of ESPN provided greater detail on Durant’s setback, describing a deep bruise in his right patellar tendon suffered during a practice drill last week. Swelling, pain and reduced range of motion followed, prompting his limited participation in Monday’s session and fueling the decision to list him as questionable.
Houston will need to navigate the potential absence of Durant carefully, given the mileage on his legs and the demands of a playoff run. With Game 2 looming, the Rockets aim to avoid falling into an 0-2 hole while hoping Durant can be cleared to contribute in what would be a pivotal matchup.
