LeBron x Durant
Nothing but respect. ✊
Getty
LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers pushes on Kevin Durant of the Houston Rockets during the first half of Game 2 of the NBA Western Conference playoffs.
The round one series between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets has officially concluded. LeBron James and the Lakers are officially moving on.
Following the game, James and the Houston Rockets’ superstar Kevin Durant shared a postgame moment for the final time this season.
via Hoop Central on X: LeBron x Durant. Nothing but respect. ✊
LeBron x Durant
Nothing but respect. ✊
While the series between LeBron and Kevin Durant was highly anticipated, considering they are some of the most notable players of their generation, the battle fell flat.
James, 41, was healthy and available throughout the entire six-game series. Durant battled two setbacks, which prevented him from playing in all but one game.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 21: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets walks down court against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of Game Two of the NBA Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 21, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
In the days leading up to Game 1, Durant suffered a knee contusion. After seeing the court for 78 games during the regular season, Durant was out for Game 1.
The veteran forward returned to the court for Game 2, eager to get the favored Rockets in the winner’s column.
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – APRIL 10: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half at Toyota Center on April 10, 2026 in Houston, Texas. 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 Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
After checking in for 40 minutes, Durant produced 23 points, six rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block. The Rockets lost 101-94. During Game 2, Durant suffered an ankle injury, which prevented him from playing throughout the remainder of the series.
The Rockets managed to win two games, which forced Game 6 on Friday, but that was it for the series. LeBron and the Lakers dominated the Durant-less Rockets 98-78. Houston falls out in the first round for the second year in a row.
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – MAY 01: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the third quarter against the Houston Rockets in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Toyota Center on May 01, 2026 in Houston, Texas. 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 Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
The Lakers will travel to Oklahoma City to face the OKC Thunder.
Game 1 is expected to take place on May 5 for the Lakers. The last time the Lakers made it to the second round was during the 2022-2023 season. At the time, LA defeated the Memphis Grizzlies. The Lakers followed with a 4-2 win over the Golden State Warriors in round two. The Lakers came up short in the Western Conference Finals against the Denver Nuggets.
Round two will be a major challenge this season, as the Lakers are set to face the defending champions in the Thunder.
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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