The Lakers and Rockets got off to a good start in the first-round series, winning 107-98 in Los Angeles. The Lakers had more star power on their bench than the Rockets, with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves playing on the L.A. bench and Kevin Durant wearing a hoodie on the Houston sideline. Despite this, the Lakers also had the most star power, with LeBron James performing well and LeBron James making history as the oldest NBA player ever to have 10 or more assists in a game. All five Lakers starters scored in double figures in the victory, including Luke Kennard's 27-point performance from 3-point country. The game was also marked by controversy as Durant was not playing due to a knee injury.