Shannon Sharpe Points Out Major Shortcoming Despite Lakers Win Over Rockets
The Los Angeles Lakers got the result they wanted with a 107-98 playoff win over the Houston Rockets, but Shannon Sharpe is not completely convinced everything is fine.
Sharpe pointed out that while the Lakers did enough to win, there are still some obvious issues that could become much bigger problems later in the postseason. In particular, he believes the team still looks vulnerable defensively especially when it comes to rebounds and that if they are not more aggressive on the board, they might end up losing the series.
In a recent conversation with Chad Johnson on their show ‘Night Cap', Sharpe shared his concerns about the Lakers. Shannon Sharpe felt the game could have looked very different if Kevin Durant had been available.
Shannon Sharpe says the Lakers getting out rebounded and plus five in turnovers, is a recipe to get your a** beat if they are not careful especially next game:
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) April 19, 2026
"Now, it all depends on what KD does. You're not winning. If KD plays, I don't see them winning this game, but then… pic.twitter.com/nmrQhcG6te
According to Sharpe, the Los Angeles Lakers were sharp early, especially on defense, but he thought they took their foot off the gas as the game went on.
"I thought the Lakers played well early," Sharpe said. "They were moving the ball, doing everything they needed to do and the defense was suffocating."
Still, he believes the Lakers got away with some lapses because they were not facing a full-strength opponent.
"It seems like they got relaxed," Sharpe added. "If KD plays, I don't see them winning this game."
Sharpe also suggested that LeBron James may have approached things differently if Durant had been on the floor, knowing the Lakers would have needed a more aggressive version of him to match that level of firepower.
How Did the First Game Between the Lakers and the Rockets Play Out?
Game 1 ended up being a lot more comfortable for the Los Angeles Lakers than many expected. Even without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, Los Angeles controlled most of the night and came away with a 107-98 win over the Houston Rockets.
The biggest surprise was Luke Kennard, who caught fire offensively and finished with 27 points. He looked completely comfortable from the opening quarter and kept punishing Houston every time they gave him space.
LeBron James did not need to take over as a scorer, but he still controlled the tempo with 19 points and 13 assists. Marcus Smart also gave the Lakers an important lift with his shot-making and playmaking, while Deandre Ayton was strong inside.
Houston had chances to stay in the game because it grabbed a ton of offensive rebounds, but the Rockets simply could not make enough shots. They struggled all night from the field and never really found any rhythm offensively.
The absence of Kevin Durant was impossible to ignore. Without him, the Rockets were missing the one player who could settle things down and give them easy baskets when the offense stalled.
Related: LeBron James Sends Kevin Durant Message Before Rockets Series
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This story was originally published April 19, 2026 at 6:11 AM.