Rockets vs Lakers: Durant's Nightmare

0:00The Houston Rockets wrapped their 2025-26 regular season with 52 wins matching last year's total but falling short of. The hype after landing Kevin Durant. They enter the playoffs as the number one seed facing the Lakers who boasts LeBron James despite some key injuries. Injuries hit hard, sidelineing Fred Van Bailey and Stephen Adams, two of their top offensive pieces for stretches. That fueled sloppy play, like blowing at least 10 games to weaker squads, including lottery teams just tanking for draft picks. Marcus Smart from the Lakers called his straight, saying his squad won't get pumped and has to bring the most heart, even if they're not the flashiest. He knows Durant's a nightmare to guard, moving like a guard in the big man's frame. Durant struggled big time against Lakers doubles in their recent back-to-backs, coughing of seven turnovers in one game while coach JJ Reddick skeamed, to take the ball away. The Rockets can't afford those slips now. Tip off hits, Saturday at 7.30 p.m. in prime time.

1:01Houston's got to come out aggressive from jump, no playing with their food, or the Lakers Grit could steal the series. That's your update from California News Today, powered by AI. I'm Corey with The Story.