Tonight’s Lakers’ game against the Rockets is a must-win before they head to Houston for the next set of games!
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EL SEGUNDO, CA - SEPTEMBER 20: Earvin "Magic" Johnson discusses the upcoming Los Angeles Lakers' season at UCLA Health Training Center on September 20, 2018 in El Segundo, California. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
On Tuesday night, the Los Angeles Lakers will play Game 2 of their first-round playoff series with the Houston Rockets (at home).
The Lakers are coming off a 107-98 win (in Game 1) on Saturday.
Luke Kennard went off for 27 points while shooting 5/5 from three-point range.
GettyEarvin “Magic” Johnson discusses the upcoming Los Angeles Lakers’ season at UCLA Health Training Center on September 20, 2018 in El Segundo, California.
Before Game 2, Basketball Hall of Famer (and Lakers legend) Magic Johnson sent out a post (via X).
Johnson wrote: “Tonight’s Lakers’ game against the Rockets is a must-win before they head to Houston for the next set of games!”
Tonight’s Lakers’ game against the Rockets is a must-win before they head to Houston for the next set of games!
Here’s what people were saying in response to Johnson:
@Gr8tBigChunky23: “I Do Agree, Lakers Cannot Extend Series Past 6 If They Expect To Win”
@ygmjayse: “probably the most important game in the series”
@LondonSoho3: “You right.”
GettyLos Angeles Lakers president of basketball operations Earvin “Magic” Johnson watches the Lakers take on the Boston Celtics during the 2017 Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 8, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Boston won 86-81.
@koredeJr7: “Yes, it is a must win, they must take care of business today and try to steal one in Houston.”
@TheGrizManFan: “That’s actually not true magic”
@AKABWALK: “Game 1 was a must win they said. Game 2 a must win too now huh?😂😂 playoffs every year u hear must win every other game fr”
GettyLakers Magic Johnson celebrates in the locker room in 1987 after defeating the Boston Celtics to win another NBA championship.
Getty Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick during a NBA game against the Charlotte Hornets at Crypto Arena on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA.
The Lakers continue to play without Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic.
That said, their victory in Game 1 was promising.
LeBron James finished with 19 points, eight rebounds, 13 assists, two steals and one block while shooting 9/15 from the field and 1/2 from three-point range in 38 minutes of playing time.
Real App wrote (during Game 1): “LeBron James just had the most assists in a single quarter in Lakers playoff history.”
GettyLeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles past Josh Okogie #20 of the Houston Rockets during the first half of Game One of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 18, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
The Lakers finished the regular season as the fourth seed in the Western Conference with a 53-29 record.
They are 29-13 in the 42 games they have played at Crypto.com Arena.
Following Tuesday, the Lakers will go to Houston for Games 3 and 4 (on Friday and Sunday).
Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years. He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar
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