Lakers Host Rockets Game 1 With LeBron vs Durant

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April 17, 2026

Lakers Rockets Game 1 tips at 8:30 PM ET Saturday on ABC. LeBron James and Kevin Durant meet in the playoffs for the first time since 2018.

LeBron James and Kevin Durant Return to Playoff Stage After 8 Years

LeBron James last faced Kevin Durant in the 2018 NBA Finals. Kevin Durant won the 2018 Finals with the Golden State Warriors in four games. LeBron James now plays for the Los Angeles Lakers. Kevin Durant suits up for the Houston Rockets. LeBron James and Kevin Durant anchor opposite sidelines in the 4 vs 5 Western Conference first-round series.

The Houston Rockets finished the regular season as the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference. Houston won eight consecutive games to clinch that seed. Houston ranks top five in team defense for a second straight season.

Luka Dončić suffered a hamstring strain during an early-April 43-point loss at Oklahoma City. Austin Reaves suffered an oblique strain in the same game. Luka Dončić missed the final five regular-season games. Austin Reaves also missed the final five regular-season games. The Los Angeles Lakers have not announced the Game 1 status of Luka Dončić or Austin Reaves.

Game 1 tips at 8:30 PM ET Saturday on ABC. Game 2 is set for Tuesday at 10:30 PM ET in Los Angeles. The series shifts to Houston for Game 3 on Friday, April 24. Game 4 follows Sunday, April 26 at Toyota Center.