The Houston Rockets are set to renew their rivalry with the LA Lakers in the first round of the NBA playoffs on Saturday at Crypto.com Arena. This will be the first time these two teams have met in the postseason since 2020, when the Lakers won in five games in the Western Conference Semifinals.
It’s also the last time the Rockets won a playoff series, making it only fitting that they now have a chance to snap their five-year drought against the same opponent.
Houston Rockets vs LA Lakers 2025-26 Season Series
The two teams met three times in the regular season, with the Lakers edging the series 2-1. LA dropped the Christmas Day showdown 119-96 at home before responding by winning both road matchups, 100-92 and 124-116, in a back-to-back clash.
Houston Rockets vs LA Lakers Playoff Series History
The Houston Rockets and LA Lakers have met in nine playoff series, with the Lakers winning six. Here’s the full series history:
- 1981 Western Conference First Round: Rockets defeated the Lakers (best-of-three series)
- 1986 Western Conference Finals: Rockets defeated the Lakers in five games
- 1990 Western Conference First Round: Lakers defeated the Rockets 3-1
- 1991 Western Conference First Round: Lakers defeated the Rockets 3-0
- 1996 Western Conference First Round: Rockets defeated the Lakers 3-1
- 1999 Western Conference First Round: Lakers defeated the Rockets 3-1
- 2004 Western Conference First Round: Lakers defeated the Rockets 4-1
- 2009 Western Conference Semifinals: Lakers defeated the Rockets 4-3
- 2020 Western Conference Semifinals: Lakers defeated the Rockets 4-1
Houston Rockets vs LA Lakers Odds
Moneyline: Rockets (-210) vs Lakers (+170)
Spread: Rockets -5.5 (-105) vs Lakers +5.5 (-115)
Total (O/U): Rockets o207.5 (-105) vs Lakers u207.5 (-115)
Editor’s note: The odds could change close to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.
Houston Rockets vs LA Lakers Injury Reports
Rockets Injury Report
There are huge question marks over Kevin Durant’s availability after he was listed as questionable with a knee contusion. Houston will make a late decision before tipoff on his status. Meanwhile, Steven Adams (ankle) and Fred VanVleet (ACL) continue to remain out.
Lakers Injury Report
As for the Lakers, Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique strain) will miss the first-round series.
Houston Rockets vs LA Lakers Starting Lineups
Rockets
PG: Amen Thompson | SG: Reed Sheppard | SF: Kevin Durant* | PF: Jabari Smith Jr. | C: Alperen Sengun
Lakers
PG: Luke Kennard | SG: Marcus Smart | SF: Jake LaRavia | PF: LeBron James | C: Deandre Ayton
Houston Rockets vs LA Lakers X-Factors
LeBron James isn’t the same player he once was, but the four-time champion still has something left in the tank. He put the team on his back during the final stretch of the regular season, especially when the Los Angeles Lakers had to play several games without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. The 41-year-old’s numbers are at a career low compared to his rookie season, but he can still make plenty of things happen.
Kevin Durant continues to be, well, Kevin Durant. The veteran forward is coming off another tremendous season, averaging 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists. With Kevin Durant, you always know what you’re going to get, playoff experience, defense and a whole lot of scoring. If he suits up, he’ll be an immense obstacle for the Lakers.
Houston Rockets vs LA Lakers Prediction
With the Lakers being shorthanded without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, many see the Houston Rockets as the favorites in this series. That only gives LeBron James and company extra motivation to prove doubters wrong and protect home court. While the Lakers have dominated matchups in recent years, Houston’s depth and clinical form may give them the slight edge in this one. They are 5.5-point favorites and are predicted to cover the spread in a game where the team total stays under 207.5 points.
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