Concerning LeBron James News Emerges Before Lakers-Rockets Series
The short-handed Los Angeles Lakers are heading into a first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets, which will begin with Game 1 at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday night.
The Lakers will be without both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves - the team’s top two scorers. Doncic and Reaves both suffered injuries during a loss to the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder on April 2. Doncic is dealing with a Grade 2 hamstring strain, and Reaves is recovering from a Grade 2 oblique strain.
With these injuries, the Lakers will lean heavily on LeBron James as their primary option in this opening playoff series.
That being said, it appears James may not be at 100% as the Lakers prepare for Game 1 against the Rockets. The 41-year-old NBA veteran was noticeably hoarse when speaking to reporters after practice on Thursday.
James told reporters that he’s been sick, according to Lakers insider Dan Wolke of The Athletic.
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While this news is certainly not ideal for the Lakers, it appears James is locked in and ready to face off against the No. 5 seed Rockets on Saturday night.
James discussed the challenges that come with matching up with the Rockets - specifically veteran NBA superstar Kevin Durant.
"He's the head of the snake. But it's the Houston Rockets and they have some damn good players on that team. So, it's not just a KD team, it’s the whole group. KD is going to do what KD does. He’s a Hall of Famer. We know that. We have to prepare not only for him, but the whole group,” James said.
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James stepped up in a big way with Doncic and Reaves out to close the 2025-26 regular season. The 23-year NBA pro averaged 24 points, 9.7 assists and 6 rebounds per game over the final week of the season, enough to earn Western Conference Player of the Week honors.
Game 1 between the Lakers and Rockets will tipoff at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday.
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This story was originally published April 16, 2026 at 5:00 PM.