Luke Kennard stats vs. Rockets: Luka Doncic replacement shoots the lights out for Lakers in Game 1 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Houston Rockets in Game 1 of their Western Conference playoff series on Saturday night.

The Lakers entered the postseason with two major injuries, as both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were out. LeBron James was expected to take over and put the team on his back, and it showed in the first half when he had 10 assists. When the dust settled on the game, though, James had played a solid game, but he wasn't the driving force behind the team's 107-98 victory.

That honor went to Luke Kennard.Kennard was acquired from the Atlanta Hawks at the trade deadline as a reliable player to come off the bench, but with the injuries to two stars in the backcourt, he was thrust into a postseason starting role. Kennard didn't squander his opportunity and put forth one of the best games of his career as Los Angeles took the series opener. Here is more on how Kennard stepped up for the Lakers and led the team to a Game 1 win against the Rockets in the first round of the 2026 playoffs.

MORE: Why did Kevin Durant not play in Game 1?Luke Kennard stats todayPoints: 27Rebounds: 4Assists: 3Blocks: 0Steals: 0Turnovers: 3Fouls: 1Minutes: 38FG: 9-133FG: 5-5FT: 4-6Kennard cracked the starting lineup for Game 1 due to the injuries to Reaves and Doncic. He shot lights out for the majority of the game, really coming on in the second half.Kennard contributed to Los Angeles shooting 53% from beyond the arc, connecting on all five of his attempts from deep range. His 27 points were not only his most for the Lakers since he was acquired by the franchise, but is a season-high.

It is also the most points he has scored in a playoff game in his career. The 27 points are tied for the eighth-most that Kennard has had in a game in his career. He was asked about his standout performance after the game.

Kennard responded, "I felt pretty good. So, as a shooter, you know when it feels right. I was just trying to be aggressive, look for my shot whenever I could.""As a shooter, you know when it feels right."-Luke Kennard after a career-high performance 🪣 pic.twitter.com/xPlyayXPcN— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 19, 2026MORE:When is Luka Doncic coming back?How did the Lakers get Luke Kennard?Kennard spent the start of the season with the Atlanta Hawks.

At the 2026 NBA trade deadline, he was sent to Los Angeles in exchange for Gabe Vincent and a future second-round pick. He played 36 regular-season games with the Lakers, but was mainly acquired to provide depth and an option off the bench. It wasn't until Doncic and Reaves were injured that Kennard consistently started, and it paid off against Houston on Saturday night. MORE:Victor Wembanyama named Sporting News Player of the YearLakers-Rockets scheduleHere’s a complete look at the series schedule:DateGameTime (ET)TV ChannelApril 18Game 1: Rockets at Lakers8:30 p.m.ABCApril 21Game 2: Rockets at Lakers7:30 p.m.NBCApril 24Game 3: Lakers at Rockets5 p.m.Prime VideoApril 26Game 4: Lakers at Rockets6:30 p.m.NBCApril 29Game 5: Rockets at Lakers*TBATBAMay 1Game 6: Lakers at Rockets*TBATBAMay 3Game 7: Rockets at Lakers*TBATBA*if needed