LAKERS HIJACK GAME 1 IN HOUSTON DESPITE FAILING EVERY REBOUNDING METRIC SET
Lakers lead 1-0! See how JJ Redick's squad overcame 20 turnovers to beat the Rockets without Doncic or Reaves.
The Los Angeles Lakers are facing their first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets without their top two scorers, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Recent injury reports hint at their return being possible soon, but the Lakers managed to hold their own in Game 1 without them.
Sure, the Rockets were also missing Kevin Durant, but the Lakers still came into the series as underdogs, especially without Doncic and Reaves, and they weren’t widely expected to win the overall series.
Still, even though they were missing nearly 60 points per game from those two key backcourt players, the Lakers pulled off a solid win in Game 1. Interestingly, they achieved that without really nailing the two main factors head coach JJ Redick had highlighted before the series.
Redick emphasised that for the Lakers to have a shot against the Rockets, they needed to limit turnovers and win the rebounding battle. He even mentioned that the team started practice focusing on boxing out, which tied into that rebounding goal.
But in Game 1, the Lakers lost the turnover battle 13-20 and were outrebounded by nine. Yet, Luke Kennard stepped up with some clutch three-point shooting, and LeBron James delivered a strong all-around performance. The Rockets also shot below 40% from the field, which helped keep the Lakers ahead.
Dan Woike from The Athletic noted how consistent Redick was about stressing these points during preparations. Despite that, the Lakers turned the ball over 20 times and allowed 21 offensive rebounds, yet still managed a 107-98 victory.
That doesn’t guarantee the Lakers will take the series, since the injuries to Durant, Doncic, and Reaves remain crucial unknowns. But seeing LeBron still performing at a high playoff level, plus getting solid minutes from the bench, definitely gives some hope for the upcoming games.
Durant’s absence continues, and his future is uncertain. The Lakers didn’t capitalise on the keys their coach laid out but still clawed out a win – an encouraging sign if they’re looking to stretch this series long enough to get Doncic and Reaves back, which always seemed to be the plan.
As for injury updates on Doncic and Reaves, we’re still waiting on official word from the Lakers about their return dates. There have been some reports suggesting one or both might return around Game 4 or 5, which would be near the end of the month. That would mark about four weeks since they both got hurt: Doncic with a hamstring and Reaves with an oblique.
Recovery timelines aren’t crystal clear. Hamstring injuries can take anywhere from three to six weeks, often with a high risk of re-injury once a player returns. Doncic even went to Spain to try to speed his rehab, but until the Lakers reassess him, it’s unclear when or if he’ll get back on the court against Houston. Some say he might be edging toward a comeback, but reports say he hasn’t started on-court work again yet.
Reaves has a slightly more defined outlook. He was sidelined for four to six weeks, which could mean a return somewhere between Games 5 and 7 if the Lakers can push the series that far. Still, all of it remains speculation until the team’s next evaluations, expected in the coming days.
Redick summed up the mindset well, saying the goal is to extend the season as long as possible to get those guys back. No one knows exactly when that will be, but that’s the mission for both the staff and players.
There’s always a chance neither Doncic nor Reaves makes it back this series or even this season if the Lakers fall to Houston. But judging by what the team showed in Game 1 and how Durant’s status remains uncertain, the Lakers find themselves in a better spot than many expected at this stage.
While Lakers fans hold out for updates on their two star guards, the bright side is that the rest of the roster is stepping up, and the team currently leads a series many didn’t think they’d be favoured in.
LAKERS ON THE BRINK: LEBRON JAMES ADMITS DISAPPOINTMENT AFTER 3-0 SERIES DEFICIT
"We still have life." LeBron James remains defiant despite a brutal 131-108 loss to OKC at the Crypto.com Arena on Saturday.
The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves just one loss away from elimination after a tough 131-108 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday night. Although the Lakers held a halftime lead for the second consecutive game, they again fell apart in the second half, allowing Oklahoma City to cruise to a 3-0 series lead.
LeBron James spoke after the game, highlighting the Thunder’s depth and relentless energy while emphasising that the Lakers still believe they have a chance to push the series further. The Thunder outscored Los Angeles 74-49 after halftime and once more dominated the third quarter, continuing a pattern that has largely defined this series.
“They’re solid from top to bottom,” James said after the game. “And they never take their foot off the gas.”
Oklahoma City converted at a 56 per cent clip and spread the scoring load, even though reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was only 7-of-20 from the field with 23 points. The Thunder’s supporting players reinforced the effort alongside Chet Holmgren, Ajay Mitchell, Jared McCain, and Alex Caruso.
LeBron pointed directly to the third quarter as the turning point for Game 3.
“Obviously, the third quarter is where it starts,” he noted. “We lacked the energy and effort, and they dropped over 30 points on us.”
Despite strong first-half performances from Rui Hachimura and Luke Kennard, giving Los Angeles a one-point lead at halftime, Oklahoma City seized control right after the break, forcing turnovers and capitalising on easy transition baskets.
“In that third quarter, we couldn’t hit shots,” James admitted. “We defended but didn’t get stops, which let them take control.”
The Lakers were outscored 33-20 in that quarter alone. James managed just one field goal, while Austin Reaves went scoreless in the period.
James finished the night with 19 points, eight assists, and six rebounds, but his shooting was off at 7-for-19, and he posted a minus-24 plus-minus rating.
Los Angeles also turned the ball over 17 times, which led to 30 points for the Thunder. Oklahoma City outscored the Lakers 64-44 in the paint as well.
When pressed about the frustration of falling behind 3-0, James kept his response measured.
“I can’t say I’m not disappointed or angry,” he said. “You’re obviously disappointed being down 3-0, but we still have life. That’s all you can ask for. We have to be much better on Monday.”
Lakers coach JJ Redick backed up James’ take, describing Oklahoma City as an elite team in the NBA.
“They’ve beaten us three straight games,” Redick said. “They’re a really impressive basketball team.”
Redick previously drew comparisons between the Thunder and dominant teams like the 1990s Chicago Bulls and the 2017-18 Golden State Warriors. James acknowledged Oklahoma City’s versatility and depth, which have caused significant matchup problems.
“They have the right personnel to adapt to whatever you throw out there,” James said. “And they stay productive no matter who’s on the floor.”
Even with Gilgeous-Alexander’s uneven scoring, the Thunder have continued to win comfortably. Holmgren’s inside presence has been dominant, and Mitchell once again put up a strong stat line with 24 points and 10 assists.
James wasn’t surprised by the Thunder’s sustained pressure, given their roster makeup.
“You’ve seen them develop over the years,” he said. “They have a lot of players who can do multiple things, and that depth really helps.”
The Lakers are still without Luka Doncic, sidelined with a Grade 2 hamstring strain from April, which has hampered their offensive rhythm, especially late in games.
Facing elimination now, James insisted the team’s focus remains squarely on Game 4 rather than any bigger questions about the group’s future.
"No", James said when asked if they considered this might be their last run together. “We’re just concentrating on the moment and moving forward from there.”
Game 4 is set for Monday night in Los Angeles, where the Lakers will fight to avoid a sweep and keep the series alive before heading back to Oklahoma City.
MAX HOLLOWAY BREAKS SILENCE ON PARAMOUNT REGARDING CONOR MCGREGOR UFC 329 RUMORS
Relive the 13-year history between Holloway and McGregor as the Hawaiian star targets International Fight Week for ultimate revenge.
Max Holloway is hungry for payback against Conor McGregor as rumours swirl about a rematch.
McGregor hasn’t stepped inside the octagon since that quick loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021. His last win was way back in 2020 when he steamrolled Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone in under a minute. He was supposed to fight Michael Chandler in 2024, but that fell through after he got injured.
Now, at 37, McGregor’s back in training and eyeing a return for UFC 329 on July 11, right as International Fight Week rolls around. Before that, he missed out on a shot at the White House card, so this July date is shaping up to be his next window.
Dana White has flip-flopped a bit on McGregor’s comeback, but now he sounds confident: “It’s looking good. Believe me, you know once we get a deal done with him, we will announce it.” And right now, Holloway looks like the top pick for the fight, 13 years after they first went at it.
Back then, McGregor beat Holloway by decision. Since then, Holloway’s had his own ups and downs; he lost the BMF belt to Charles Oliveira in March and hasn’t fought since. Still, he’s eager to get back, especially if it means a shot at Conor.
Talking to Paramount, Holloway laid it out: “We have history. We fought a long time ago. If someone’s got a win over me, I want that back. If he really is serious about returning, and it looks like he is, then this is an exciting fight. He looks hungry. He even did a boxing exhibition not too long ago, so it looks like he’s really coming back. I just want another shot. Any fight with Conor is huge, but with our past? It means even more. If I can knock a few names off my list, that’s great.”
For now, Holloway hasn’t heard anything official from the UFC about July. "Maybe we'll see what happens,” he said. “I’m seeing all the same talk you are. I haven’t heard anything yet, but July would work for me. They say you’re only as good as your last fight, and I want people to forget about that one as soon as possible.”
