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HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 21: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets looks on during the game between the Miami Heat and the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on March 21, 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 Houston Rockets are ready to pay a visit to the Los Angeles Lakers for Game of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on Saturday, April 18.

Heading into the game, the former LA Lakers champion, Danny Green, predicted the approach that the Lakers could bring to the table.

Without the offensive stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves in the mix, the Lakers will have to focus heavily on defense.

GettyDanny Green #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers defends Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks.

“This comes down to JJ [Redick] and their defense and how they kind of junk up the game against [Kevin Durant] and company,” Green said on ESPN this week.

“Obviously, Amen Thompson’s been the point guard, Alperen Sengun has been some, Reed Sheppard is young, but they’ve struggled with the double team–particularly Kevin Durant. So, when they double KD, which I assume they will do, they throw guys at him to try to rotate zone and make him make plays, and make those other guys beat them.”

When it comes to Kevin Durant, he’s a seasoned vet who has seen it all and done it all. The former MVP has 18 years of NBA experience and is entering his 14th playoff run.

Still, Durant isn’t invincible. The Lakers have faced the Rockets three times this season, and have found success in two of those games.

GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – APRIL 07: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets reacts during the first half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 07, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

In Green’s eyes, the game plan should be as simple as forcing the Rockets’ young supporting cast to get the job done.

“I’m sure [Kevin Durant] will make an adjustment,” Green said, as he went over past moments between the Lakers and the Rockets, picking apart Durant’s lowlights. “They’ve walked over some things, but the Lakers are going to force them to play in those types of half-court sets.”

The Lakers Are Undermanned

GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 18: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on March 18, 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)

By missing Doncic and Reaves, the Lakers would have a hard time purely fighting offense with offense.

In the Lakers’ last two games against the Rockets, Luka Doncic was on a tear. On March 16, he scored 36 points in 40 minutes of action. On March 18, he checked in for 38 minutes and scored 40 points, producing a double-double with 10 assists.

Despite being the higher seed, the Lakers have more doubters than supporters going into the series. If they can neutralize Kevin Durant, focusing heavily on defense as Green suggests, the Lakers could have a shot at pulling off a Game 1 upset.