The Los Angeles Lakers took advantage of an undermanned Houston Rockets team on Saturday night for Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Playoffs. The night especially went well for Luke Kennard, who made his playoff debut with the Lakers.
As the Lakers cruised past the Rockets, who found out that Kevin Durant would miss the action due to a knee contusion, just one hour before the game tipped off, Kennard shot the lights out.
Amid his Lakers playoff debut, Kennard nearly broke a franchise record.
via RealApp on X: Luke Kennard just tied the Lakers record for the most threes made in a playoff debut.
Kennard attempted five shots from beyond the arc on Saturday night. He made every single one. Overall, Kennard went 9-13 from the field in 38 minutes of action. By adding 4-6 shots from the free-throw line, Kennard produced 27 points.
In addition to his scoring, Kennard came down with four rebounds and dished out three assists. He led the way for the Lakers, who put together an impressive playoff debut with a 107-98 win over the Rockets.
Luke Kennard Is Earning His Value
GettyLOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 7, 2026: Los Angeles Lakers guard Luke Kennard (10) reacts after scoring on a three point shot, his first points in a Lakers uniform against the Golden State Warriors in the first half at Crypto.com Arena on February 7, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
There is still plenty of time left in the 2026 NBA playoffs, but Kennard is earning his value so far.
The Lakers acquired Kennard from the Atlanta Hawks ahead of the 2026 trade deadline. LA picked him up in exchange for Gabe Vincent and a future second-round pick. Kennard is in the midst of a one-year deal that he signed with the Atlanta Hawks back in July 2025.
Before landing with the Lakers, Kennard appeared in 46 games for the Hawks. He averaged 20.5 minutes off the bench. Since joining the Lakers, Kennard played in 32 games. He even started six of those matchups.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 06: Luke Kennard #10 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Jarace Walker #5 of the Indiana Pacers during the first quarter of an NBA game at Crypto.com Arena on March 06, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
While averaging 23.0 minutes per game, Kennard posted averages of 9.0 points (52.7% FG, 44.8% 3PT), 2.4 assists, and 2.6 rebounds.
Since entering the NBA, Kennard has had runs with the Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, and now the Hawks and the Lakers. In the past, Kennard participated in four playoff runs. He played for the Grizzlies last season, appearing in just four games. Kennard averaged 4.5 points.
The veteran sharpshooter started his first Lakers postseason off with a bang. Theyâll search for the same success on Tuesday, April 21, when the Lakers and the Rockets meet for Game 2.
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