Originally published by LakersNation.com
Despite dealing with numerous injuries, the Los Angeles Lakers had a successful regular season in which they finished 53-29 and secured the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference going into the NBA Playoffs. That sets up a first-round series with the Houston Rockets, a team the Lakers beat two out of three times in the regular season.
Unfortunately, the Lakers continue to be hampered by injuries as both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves remain out indefinitely, perhaps for the entire first-round series. That has made the Rockets heavy favorites to win even though they are the lower seed and do not have home-court advantage.
Given the number of off days in the series, perhaps one or both are able to make it back if L.A. can extend it. Regardless, the Lakers still have a puncher’s chance and the main reason for that is the recent play of LeBron James, who is rounding into form at the right time. Despite being 41 years of age and in his 23rd season, James remains one of the best players in the league, especially in a playoff setting where he has had so much success over the years.
Houston has a similar veteran presence on their roster in Kevin Durant though, and he in James will be squaring off in the playoffs for the first time since the 2018 NBA Finals, which will always be an intriguing storyline to follow.
The winner of this series will likely match up with the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round, but if the Lakers find a way to advance, it’s possible that Doncic and/or Reaves would be able to return by then to give the team a boost.
In past years, teams have been able to broadcast their first-round games in addition to the national TV broadcasts. That is no longer the case, however, as every NBA playoff game will only be televised nationally this year. However, all Lakers playoff games can be heard on the team’s flagship radio station, 710 AM ESPNLA, and in Spanish on KWKW 1330 AM.
Game 1 was previously announced to be on Saturday night, but here is how the schedule is looking for the start of the series with more dates and times to be announced later.
Lakers-Rockets first round schedule & TV info
Game 1: Rockets at Lakers, Saturday, April 18, 5:30 p.m. PT, ABC
Game 2: Rockets at Lakers, Tuesday, April 21, 7:30 p.m. PT, NBC
Game 3: Lakers at Rockets, Friday, April 24, 6 p.m. PT, Prime
Game 4: Lakers at Rockets, Sunday, April 26, 6:30 p.m. PT, NBC
Game 5 (if necessary): Rockets at Lakers, Wednesday, April 29, TBD, TBD
Game 6 (if necessary): Lakers at Rockets, Friday, May 1, TBD, TBD
Game 7 (if necessary): Rockets at Lakers, Sunday, May 3, TBD, TBD
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Despite dealing with numerous injuries, the Los Angeles Lakers had a successful regular season in which they finished 53-29 and secured the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference going into the NBA Playoffs. That sets up a first-round series with the Houston Rockets, a team the Lakers beat two out of three times in the regular season.
Unfortunately, the Lakers continue to be hampered by injuries as both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves remain out indefinitely, perhaps for the entire first-round series. That has made the Rockets heavy favorites to win even though they are the lower seed and do not have home-court advantage.
Given the number of off days in the series, perhaps one or both are able to make it back if L.A. can extend it. Regardless, the Lakers still have a puncher’s chance and the main reason for that is the recent play of LeBron James, who is rounding into form at the right time. Despite being 41 years of age and in his 23rd season, James remains one of the best players in the league, especially in a playoff setting where he has had so much success over the years.
Houston has a similar veteran presence on their roster in Kevin Durant though, and he in James will be squaring off in the playoffs for the first time since the 2018 NBA Finals, which will always be an intriguing storyline to follow.
The winner of this series will likely match up with the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round, but if the Lakers find a way to advance, it’s possible that Doncic and/or Reaves would be able to return by then to give the team a boost.
In past years, teams have been able to broadcast their first-round games in addition to the national TV broadcasts. That is no longer the case, however, as every NBA playoff game will only be televised nationally this year. However, all Lakers playoff games can be heard on the team’s flagship radio station, 710 AM ESPNLA, and in Spanish on KWKW 1330 AM.
Game 1 was previously announced to be on Saturday night, but here is how the schedule is looking for the start of the series with more dates and times to be announced later.
Lakers-Rockets first round schedule & TV info
Game 1: Rockets at Lakers, Saturday, April 18, 5:30 p.m. PT, ABC
Game 2: Rockets at Lakers, Tuesday, April 21, 7:30 p.m. PT, NBC
Game 3: Lakers at Rockets, Friday, April 24, 6 p.m. PT, Prime
Game 4: Lakers at Rockets, Sunday, April 26, 6:30 p.m. PT, NBC
Game 5 (if necessary): Rockets at Lakers, Wednesday, April 29, TBD, TBD
Game 6 (if necessary): Lakers at Rockets, Friday, May 1, TBD, TBD
Game 7 (if necessary): Rockets at Lakers, Sunday, May 3, TBD, TBD
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!