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Head coach JJ Redick and LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers
Elite teams find a way even against unfavorable circumstances. It’s too early to tell if the Los Angeles Lakers are in that category, but there’s no denying they are in the middle of something the NBA has never seen before.
In a 101–94 win over the Houston Rockets on Tuesday, the Lakers took a commanding 2-0 lead in the first-round of the NBA Playoffs. While it isn’t shocking the four seed Lakers are up two games over the fifth-seeded Rockets, how they’ve gotten those wins is historic.
“In NBA history, only twice has a team won a playoff game despite missing 2 players who each averaged 20.0+ PPG while making 100+ threes for that team during the regular season. Both wins were by this year’s @Lakers,” according to OptaSTATS.
Those two missing pieces aren’t your run of the mill starters. Missing are point guard Luka Doncic, who put together an MVP-caliber regular season, and Austin Reaves, a key secondary playmaker from the lineup who averaged 23.3 points per game.
Doncic averaged 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists during the regular season and will miss at least the entire first round.
The impressive performance has just been from one player stepping up, but rather a collective effort. One player who shined Tuesday night was 41-year-old veteran LeBron James, who finished the game with 28 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists.
“We executed the game plan offensively and defensively, shored up some of our mistakes from Game 1, and just got into a dogfight,” James told reporters after the game. “When we have two big guns out like we have, we’ve all got to pick up our play, and that’s all it’s about. We’re all just trying to make contributions on offense and seize the opportunity.”
Marcus Smart finished with 25 points and seven assists and Luke Kennard added 23 points.
If the Lakers keep this up, this won’t just be a quirky stat line.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 21: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers controls the ball against Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets 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)
The Lakers are looking for their first NBA title since the 2020 Covid bubble year, and are in great position to hang another banner in the rafters in Los Angeles.
What makes this Lakers unit dangerous is its star power and adaptability. Even without Doncic and Reaves, they’ve leaned into their depth.
James appears determined to claim his fifth NBA championship in his career. He won two with the Miami Heat, one with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and most recently the title with the Lakers.
If Los Angeles continues this level of play they’ve shown in the first round, it could be the foundation of a legitimate postseason run.
Alex Shoemaker Alex Shoemaker is a seasoned sports journalist and digital content strategist with more than a decade of experience in newsrooms and digital media. He has covered a wide range of sports, including March Madness, the Olympic Trials, and local high school athletics. He began his journalism career covering high school and community sports, developing a reputation for sharp storytelling and precise design that earned awards for both writing and pagination. More about Alex Shoemaker
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