Lakers beat Rockets in Game 2 with a new Big Three

Key Points:

• LeBron James, Marcus Smart, and Luke Kennard combined for 76 points, 16 rebounds, and 16 assists to lead the Lakers to a 101-94 victory over the Houston Rockets in Game 2 of the Western Conference playoffs, giving the Lakers a 2-0 series lead.
• James nearly achieved a triple-double with 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists, while Smart contributed 25 points and strong defense, and Kennard added 23 points, stepping up in the absence of injured stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
• The Lakers demonstrated their clutch performance ability, maintaining their NBA-best regular-season record in close games despite missing key players, with Smart and Kennard effectively filling the backcourt roles.
• Rockets star Kevin Durant scored 20 points in the first half but struggled in the second, finishing with 9 turnovers, while the Lakers remain cautious about his impact in upcoming games.
• Lakers coach JJ Redick provided no definitive timeline for the return of injured players Doncic and Reaves, noting that Reaves has begun a return-to-play plan but both remain sidelined.