The Los Angeles Lakers have taken firm control of their first-round series — and as the matchup shifts to Houston, signs of mounting pressure and internal tension are beginning to surface on the other side.
Rockets Tension Emerges as Jabari Smith Jr. Calls Out Kevin Durant
As the Houston Rockets head home trailing 2-0, forward Jabari Smith Jr. delivered a blunt public message aimed at teammate Kevin Durant following a 101-94 Game 2 loss.
“It’s on him to find ways to get himself involved and get to his spots without the double team,” Smith said after Thursday’s practice. “Just because he’s getting double teamed, we still need him to be KD. There’s still ways around it, and we got some fixes to that, and we’re gonna be better the next two games.”
The unusually direct critique of a 16-time All-Star highlights the urgency — and potential friction — within a Rockets team now facing a must-win situation.
Lakers Defense Sets Tone as Kevin Durant’s Return Falls Short
Durant returned in Game 2 after missing the opener with a knee contusion and led Houston with 23 points, six rebounds and four assists. But his impact was undercut by a career playoff-high nine turnovers, helping Los Angeles seize a commanding series lead.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick made it clear the defensive game plan against Durant is not changing.
“We’re just getting this thing started, and he’s the type of player that can take over a series,” Redick said. “Just have to continue to have a great team defense and great activity.”
That approach — consistent double teams and high defensive pressure — has forced Durant into difficult decisions and disrupted Houston’s offensive rhythm.
LeBron James Sends Warning Despite Slowing Kevin Durant
Despite holding Durant to just three points in the second half, LeBron James dismissed any notion of satisfaction — instead issuing a warning about what could come next.
“None. That just makes him even madder going into Game 3. No satisfaction,” James said. “The guy’s a first-ballot Hall of Famer, and he’s gonna make way more great plays than not.”
James emphasized the challenge is far from over.
“We don’t have any satisfaction. That game is over and done with, but it’s still a tall challenge — seven-foot-tall, too,” he added with a smile. “He hates that. He might be mad at me if he sees that. He wants to be six-foot-nine or six-foot-10 so bad, but he’s seven feet for sure.”
James finished Game 2 with 28 points, eight rebounds and seven assists in 39 minutes, continuing to anchor the Lakers despite the absence of Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique).
Kevin Durant Acknowledges Need to Adjust Against Lakers Defense
Durant did not deflect responsibility after the loss, acknowledging he must be more aggressive despite constant double teams.
“They started doubling me from possession one,” Durant said. “I think I gotta be better at not putting my teammates in bad position when I swing that ball.”
He added that he may need to take more shots even under pressure.
“I feel like I gotta shoot more of those… I could have just shot over those guys.”
Jabari Smith Jr. Producing as Pressure Builds on Rockets
While Durant faced heavy defensive attention, Smith has been one of Houston’s most consistent performers. The fourth-year forward is averaging 17.0 points and 9.0 rebounds through two games while shooting 37.5% from three-point range.
His willingness to publicly challenge Durant reflects both his growing voice and the pressure building within a Rockets team trying to avoid a 3-0 hole.
Kevin Durant Injury Status Adds Uncertainty Ahead of Game 3
Complicating matters further, Durant is listed as questionable for Game 3 due to a left ankle sprain suffered during his Game 2 return.
Head coach Ime Udoka said the team will monitor Durant closely and indicated that rookie guard Reed Sheppard could see increased minutes.
Lakers Look to Tighten Grip as Series Shifts to Houston
With momentum firmly on their side, the Lakers now head to Houston with a chance to push the Rockets to the brink of elimination.
For Los Angeles, the formula remains clear: maintain defensive intensity and continue forcing tough decisions from Durant.
For Houston, the challenge is just as clear — respond under pressure, both on the court and within the locker room.
Game 3 is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on Friday, April 24.
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