The Lakers defeated the Rockets 107-98 in Game 1, taking a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. The Lakers limited the Rockets to 37.6% shooting from the field, marking the worst opponent shooting percentage against the Lakers in the playoffs since April 28, 2023. Coach JJ Redick praised his team's defense, including Deandre Ayton, Jaxson [Hayes, LeBron James, Rui [Hachimura], and Jake LaRavia. The team's defensive success started with limiting Alperen Sengun, the Rockets' All-Star center and second-leading scorer. Ayton also had strong moments as a defender, using his 7-foot, 252-pound frame to make passing lanes more challenging.