The Los Angeles Lakers began their first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets on April 20 with a 107-98 victory. Marcus Smart and LeBron James led the team, drawing on their postseason experience to secure the win.
This marks a new chapter for Smart, who has previously faced James as an opponent in past playoffs but now finds himself as his teammate. Speaking about the change, Smart said, “It’s been great. Being able to see why he’s considered one of the greatest to do it, the way that he prepares for the playoffs. It’s a whole different mentality for him than the regular season. We see it, you guys see it, but as a teammate to be able to be there watching him get prepared, watching the things he’s doing to get himself ready, I’m glad I’m on his side this time.”
James is now in his 23rd NBA season and approaches games with careful consideration of when and how much energy to use on offense. Smart commented on this approach: “First off, his IQ,” Smart said of what sets James apart. “He picks and chooses when to exert energy. He knows when to exert energy. But I think it just speaks about who he is and who he’s always been – a leader. He instills trust in his guys. The word we’re using now is elevate, and he elevates. To see a guy of his status being able to turn down shots to get other guys going and then picking and choosing when it’s his time, it helps us a lot and just shows his greatness.”
The absence of Kevin Durant from Game 1 was noted as giving Los Angeles an advantage; however, strong performances from role players like Luke Kennard, Deandre Ayton and Rui Hachimura contributed significantly as well.
Head coach JJ Redick guided the team through adversity with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves sidelined due to injury for this round of play-offs.
Looking ahead at Game 2 in this best-of-seven series against Houston will test whether these supporting players can maintain their performance levels.
