Lakers vs. Rockets Playoff Game 2 Game Day 2026-04-21

Houston Rockets

52-30 • 22-19 road

at

Los Angeles Lakers

53-29 • 28-13 home

· 7:30 PM PT · TV: NBC / Peacock

Spread: HOU -5.5 ·O/U: 208.5

Rockets

115.2 PPG

Lakers

116.3 PPG

Team Leaders

Rockets

Alperen Sengun 20.4 PPG

Alperen Sengun 8.9 RPG

Alperen Sengun 6.2 APG

Lakers

LeBron James 20.9 PPG

Deandre Ayton 8.0 RPG

LeBron James 7.2 APG

Key Matchup

LeBron James (20.9 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 7.2 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.6 BPG) vs Alperen Sengun (20.4 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 6.2 APG, 1.2 SPG, 1.1 BPG)

Injury Report

Rockets

Out: Kevin Durant

Out: Steven Adams

Out: Fred VanVleet

Lakers

Out: Austin Reaves

Out: Luka Doncic

Season Series: LAL win 2-1

West 1st Round - Game 2. Series: LAL lead series 1-0. The Lakers (28-13 at home) host the Rockets, who are 22-19 on the road. HOU is favored by 5.5 points.

Riding momentum after a 107-98 win over the Rockets. What are your predictions for game 2? Which Laker need step up this game?

I believe the Lakers will win at home. But the Lakers have to stop turning the ball over so much, and they got to make their free throws. I am almost positive that Durant will play, but a good defense can force him to pass the ball to somebody else. A quick doubling will force him to get rid of the ball. Have to be LeBron and another power forward to double Durant.

We also know that Kennard is going to be doubled, so it is up to JJ to have another sharp shooter for special sets, That will break up the strong defense they are going to throw at Kennard.

I believe the Lakers will win at home. But the Lakers have to stop turning the ball over so much, and they got to make their free throws. I am almost positive that Durant will play, but a good defense can force him to pass the ball to somebody else. A quick doubling will force him to get rid of the ball. Have to be LeBron and another power forward to double Durant.

The Lakers got crushed on the offensive boards, 27-3, as well the Rockets took 27 more shots than the Lakers. For all intents and purposes, the Lakers ought to have lost the first game given those numbers. It reads that Ayton played well on defense but was less than present on offense. Has JJ ever played Ayton and Hayes together? If not, expect to see it in game two.

The good news is that if they repair those two massive and glaring disadvantages, they will remain more than competitive when KD comes back.

We also know that Kennard is going to be doubled, so it is up to JJ to have another sharp shooter for special sets, That will break up the strong defense they are going to throw at Kennard.

And who would that be? Rui is already out there. He's number 7 in the NBA regarding 3 point percentage.

Take a chance with Dalton?

I would have a talk with Dalton and explain how important it is to break up the tough defenses they will be throwing at Kennard. Just give him a few minutes, can not be any worse then putting in Bronny. Knecht can play good defense and has size, so I think it is worth a try if they come into the second game boxing Kennard.

I agree though JJ allowing Dalton to languish on the bench only multiplied his loss of confidence since the broken trade. He ought to have done what you are suggesting here three months ago, to help him feel wanted and valuable again, so it would not be an act of desperation today.

Allegedly Dalton is the best player in practice consistently. Timme is another one who can put up 20 in the blink of an eye. He led the nation in scoring while at Gonzaga, but he is a little flap footed on defense.

Coaches tend to shorten the roster during the playoffs but I think JJ has to do the opposite and stop trying to squeeze too much out of any one player.

I'd love for Dalton to come out and have a 20 point game. I don't see it happening, but I will keep my fingers crossed. We are forgetting Lebron. If they double Kenard, which they obviously will, that should free up Lebron for open shots. It will also free up Rui, who has been playing well. If we can win tonight, we would be in a good spot to take the series. The title? That Is a different question. Something would have to happen to OKC in these early rounds. Com'on Lakers.. Let's get the win!

One game at a time before we start looking too far ahead. But no doubt OKC are the defending champs, they would be tough.

The Rockets are obligated to report, as are all teams, by early afternoon, as a general NBA rule, regarding injured players on game day. 'Questionable' is not a report so not sure how they are getting away with this. I will assume it's a tactic to keep the Lakers unsure and that he's playing. Given the uncertainty, he will not be at 100%.

If Durant plays, it is up to LeBron to stay real close to this guy. Fact double him every once in a while and let him pass the ball to someone else that is not a great shooter like Durant is. All Lakers play tough defense through the whole game and no turn overs, and make your free throws. Drive as much as possible and get them in foul trouble. Lakers do these simple moves and we will be just fine.

Smart has been big- good D as always, but hitting 3's! 12-9 Lakers after another triple for him. Heat check there

Don't want to be settling for 3's though

Ayton dragging himself up the court after a defensive set. I do not think he's lazy, I think he has an oxygen management issue. Lethargy after a short burst of activity.

Big time spin and fade by Lebron there

Gotta limit those live ball turnovers though- each possession is gonna be precious

Kennard catch, shoot, bang! Ties it at 24

This bench unit needs to find a way to score consistently- shoot when open. Lol like that spin and triple by Kennard!

Jax had a wide open lane. He's got to up his game and start taking the ball to the hoop. He tends to make them when he does.

The offensive rebound issue continues in this game.

6-0 in favor of the Rockets...

What a job by Smart tipping in Lebron's free throw miss! Lakers on the heels of a big run to end the first Q, up 33-26.

Houston 11-0 run spurred by LaRavia handing them the ball on a platter...

Great job by Vando & Hayes there- hustle results in the Rui corner triple!

Lakers were doing really good until LaRavia who was open to shoot, but refused and ended up turning the ball over. And it was all down hill from there. Lakers were up by fifteen and it seemed like they just stopped playing defense after the turn overs by LaRavia. Now it is the half and the Lakers are up by three. So I never have liked the way LaRavia plays offense, it seems like he is afraid to take a shot. He does play good defense, but you got to be ready when you are stuck with the ball. I am expecting Rui, Ayton, LaRavia to be more involved on the offense to take the pressure off Kennard, LeBron and Smart. Smart really has played good offense and defense, but he is getting tired.

STRONG cut and finish for the and 1 by Hayes to start the 4th!

Lakers do a great job on Durant once again, but gotta convert. That was a rough 5 point switch.

That was a BIG dribble J by Rui! Lakers up 91-85 with a little more than 3 minutes to go.

Crowd unhappy at refs giving Senguin that timeout, yelling "Refs you suck!"

Smart the giant corner triple!

Lebron all the way for the monster jam! That should do it! A gritty win by the Lakers, keyed by excellent defense. Gotta give the game ball to Marcus Smart.

Great defense on the second half is what won this game. Doubling Durant was awesome making him pass the ball to other players who are not as good shooting.

Smart, LeBron were great on the offense.

I am concerned about LaRavia. Not a single point scored by this young man. He is not shooting even when he is wide open. I do not know if it is coaches decision or what, but he needs to contribute more if the Lakers are going to be successful. I am impressed with LeBron, but he is going to need help as we go deeper into the playoffs.

I am concerned about LaRavia. Not a single point scored by this young man. He is not shooting even when he is wide open. I do not know if it is coaches decision or what, but he needs to contribute more if the Lakers are going to be successful. I am impressed with LeBron, but he is going to need help as we go deeper into the playoffs.

Ya, I almost feel like we should use someone else in his place. Dalton is a guard, so that won't work. I think our only other PF's are Vando, Timme, and Kleber.. I'd probably go with Kleber. Honestly, none of them are efficient offensively. I suppose it just boils down to who plays better defense.

LaRavia is a day to day for the third game in Houston. What is the problem now. Is it because he scored zero on game two?

For game three we need to do the same thing, play tough defense, watch your turn overs, make your free throws. Double and switch on Durant. Get the ball away from him by coming from behind and steal he ball away from him. He is really not a good dribbler. Keep a tall player on him all the time. Hayes does a good job, but he is a backup. Ayton needs to get more rebounds. If the ball moves around, the Lakers should get a win. (INTENSITY).

Vando is a good defender, maybe a little too aggressive at times which I do not like that because that is just putting somebody on the free throw line. But he is a defensive presence. It all depends on his mind set for that day. LOL! Next I think I would go with Timme. He has size and can shoot. Kleber would be my third choice. He looks lost at times.