The Los Angeles Lakers will once again prepare for uncertainty surrounding Kevin Durant as Game 2 of their first-round playoff series approaches.
After capitalizing on Durant’s absence in a 107-98 Game 1 victory over the Houston Rockets, the Lakers now face a different challenge: a potential return from the two-time NBA champion.
According to Will Guillory of The Athletic, Rockets coach Ime Udoka said Durant participated in about half of Monday’s practice and will be a game-time decision for Tuesday night.
Kevin Durant Injury Status Looms Over Lakers-Rockets Game 2
Durant is dealing with a right knee contusion that forced him to miss Game 1 — a rare absence for one of the NBA’s most durable stars this season.
“I would say mobility probably,” Udoka said, via Guillory. “The pain tolerance is one thing, but actually moving and feeling comfortable doing all the movements is going to be the biggest thing.”
Video shared by Guillory showed Durant getting shots up after practice with visible tape on his right knee, though he appeared to be moving more fluidly compared to earlier in the week.
Still, his availability remains uncertain.
Lakers Took Advantage of Kevin Durant’s Absence in Game 1
GettyAmen Thompson of the Houston Rockets guards LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of Game One of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 18, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
Without Durant, the Lakers executed one of their most efficient performances of the postseason.
Luke Kennard led the way with 27 points, while LeBron James added 19 points and 13 assists. Deandre Ayton contributed 19 points and 11 rebounds as Los Angeles shot 60.6% from the field.
The Lakers also held Houston to just 37.6% shooting, overcoming a 21-offensive-rebound disadvantage.
“That’s what it has to be — a collective group,” James said. “When you’re missing so much firepower… we all have to do our job.”
Luka Doncic’s Return to Practice Adds Another Layer
The Lakers also received a separate encouraging development, as Luka Doncic returned to the practice court for the first time since his hamstring injury.
Doncic was seen participating in light activity, including rebounding for teammates, signaling progress in his recovery. While he remains sidelined, his presence at practice suggests a potential return later in the series.
With both Doncic and Austin Reaves still out, any positive development provides a boost for a team navigating injuries during the postseason.
Kevin Durant Return Could Shift Series Momentum
Durant’s potential return would dramatically alter the matchup. Despite missing Game 1, he remains Houston’s most dangerous offensive weapon and a focal point of its playoff strategy.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the injury involves a deep bruise in Durant’s right patellar tendon, causing swelling, pain and limited range of motion.
“For Kevin Durant to miss a playoff game, that speaks to the severity,” Charania said.
Lakers Prepare for Either Scenario in Game 2
With Game 2 set for Tuesday in Los Angeles, the Lakers are preparing for both possibilities — a Rockets team still without Durant, or one suddenly re-energized by his return.
Los Angeles has already proven it can win without key pieces, but if Durant plays, the margin for error shrinks considerably.
For the Lakers, the mission remains the same: maintain defensive intensity, execute efficiently and stay ready for whatever version of the Rockets takes the floor.
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