Watch the Game Highlights from Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets, 04/18/2026
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Video Transcript
And I already had enough nervousness because I was missed almost an entire year with an injury, and we were playing the Bulls, the defending champion Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan against a variety of match-ups that Houston will throw at him.
And I already had enough nervousness because I was missed almost an entire year with an injury, and we were playing the Bulls, the defending champion Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan against a variety of match-ups that Houston will throw at him.
Luke Kennard knocks down his first shot.
Luke Kennard knocks down his first shot.
Kennard acquired mid-season, he has been a huge addition.
Kennard acquired mid-season, he has been a huge addition.
Thompson, Sengun, another beautiful pass.
Thompson, Sengun, another beautiful pass.
Sengun count it, and the foul.
Sengun count it, and the foul.
That’s what’s gonna happen.
That’s what’s gonna happen.
He’s going to pick you apart.
He’s going to pick you apart.
Largest lead of the first half for the Lakers, and then Thompson goes to the left and shoots to the right.
Largest lead of the first half for the Lakers, and then Thompson goes to the left and shoots to the right.
What a difficult shot from Thompson.
What a difficult shot from Thompson.
That allow you to go get these high-level players.
That allow you to go get these high-level players.
And you know what happens?
And you know what happens?
Now the players come in and your role changes.
Now the players come in and your role changes.
Smart gets inside with the left hand, banks it home.
Smart gets inside with the left hand, banks it home.
And look at the difference here in this final two minutes.
And look at the difference here in this final two minutes.
A little bit more deliberate by the Lakers.
A little bit more deliberate by the Lakers.
Thompson with the steal.
Thompson with the steal.
James in pursuit.
James in pursuit.
Thompson inside, blocked by Laravia, as Thompson goes crashing to the floor.
Thompson inside, blocked by Laravia, as Thompson goes crashing to the floor.
There was a lot of contact there.
There was a lot of contact there.
Basketball here.
Basketball here.
This might be the best block of Jake Laravia’s Good ball denial from Thompson.
This might be the best block of Jake Laravia’s Good ball denial from Thompson.
Kennard eventually gets it back, fires up a three.
Kennard eventually gets it back, fires up a three.
Pokes it in!
Pokes it in!
Luke Kennard nails it.
Luke Kennard nails it.
Largest lead of the game.
Largest lead of the game.
It’s Thompson, Sheppard, Sengun, Eason, and Javari Smith.
It’s Thompson, Sheppard, Sengun, Eason, and Javari Smith.
For the Rockets, Sengun fakes and throws it down.
For the Rockets, Sengun fakes and throws it down.
Ferocious from Alperen Sengun.
Ferocious from Alperen Sengun.
Seven on the 24.
Seven on the 24.
James want it, wants it as Thompson Right there.
James want it, wants it as Thompson Right there.
Down to three.
Down to three.
James falling away.
James falling away.
Puts it up, puts it in.
Puts it up, puts it in.
But it’s still a nine-point game.
But it’s still a nine-point game.
Ayton in the front court, lobs it to Kennard.
Ayton in the front court, lobs it to Kennard.
James drives down the lane, lays it up and in.
James drives down the lane, lays it up and in.
And the Lakers take game one on their home floor.
And the Lakers take game one on their home floor.
Rockets certainly hope that Kevin Durant will return for game two.
Rockets certainly hope that Kevin Durant will return for game two.
Kennard nine of 13 from the field-
Kennard nine of 13 from the field-