2025-2026 NBA first-round playoff series basketball match: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets

Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James (top) shoots against Houston Rockets' Tari Eason during the 2025-2026 NBA first-round playoff series basketball match between Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets in Los Angeles, the United States, April 18, 2026. (Photo by Ringo Chiu/Xinhua)

Los Angeles Lakers' Marcus Smart (C) goes to the basket during the 2025-2026 NBA first-round playoff series basketball match between Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets in Los Angeles, the United States, April 18, 2026. (Photo by Ringo Chiu/Xinhua)

Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James (R) shoots against Houston Rockets' Tari Eason during the 2025-2026 NBA first-round playoff series basketball match between Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets in Los Angeles, the United States, April 18, 2026. (Photo by Ringo Chiu/Xinhua)

Los Angeles Lakers' Rui Hachimura (R) shoots against Houston Rockets' Alperen Sengun during the 2025-2026 NBA first-round playoff series basketball match between Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets in Los Angeles, the United States, April 18, 2026. (Photo by Ringo Chiu/Xinhua)

Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James (C) goes to the basket during the 2025-2026 NBA first-round playoff series basketball match between Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets in Los Angeles, the United States, April 18, 2026. (Photo by Ringo Chiu/Xinhua)

Los Angeles Lakers' Deandre Ayton (top) dunks against the Houston Rockets during the 2025-2026 NBA first-round playoff series basketball match between Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets in Los Angeles, the United States, April 18, 2026. (Photo by Ringo Chiu/Xinhua)