A popular internet narrative in the NBA world was shut down on Monday afternoon. Houston Rockets star Alperen Sengun cleared the air on a viral video that involved LeBron James.
Ahead of Game 1 between the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers, Sengun was seen fiddling with his pocket. Since he side-eyed a passing LeBron James as he stood up, it was initially believed that Sengun was standing up out of respect for the superstar forward.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 18: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles past Josh Okogie #20 of the Houston Rockets during the first 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. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
However, Sengun claimed that wasnât the case.
âI just saw that video today. Everybody was sending it to me. Itâs kind of funny, I was just trying to get something out of my pocket,â Sengun told reporters after practice. âThat’s why I got up. No disrespect to LeBron, of course, I respect him. But I didnât stand up for him. It was just something I was getting out of my pocket.â
The Rockets Are Looking To Bounce Back
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – FEBRUARY 10: Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets reacts after committing a foul against the Los Angeles Clippers during the second quarter at Toyota Center on February 10, 2026 in Houston, Texas. 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 Jack Gorman/Getty Images)
Game 2 between the Lakers and the Rockets is set to begin on Tuesday, April 21.
Sengun is in for another tough game, facing LeBron and the Lakers, who helped stun Houston in Game 1.
Heading into the series, the Rockets were seen as the overwhelming favorite, considering LA was short on Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves for the first outing. However, the shocking absence of Kevin Durant proved to be a bigger issue for the Rockets.
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 28: Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets reacts after a three-point basket in the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at Toyota Center on January 28, 2026 in Houston, Texas. 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 Tim Warner/Getty Images)
Sengun checked into Game 1 for 36 minutes. The star center shot 6-19 from the field and went 7-9 from deep. He produced 19 points, eight rebounds, and six assists.
On the other side, LeBron James checked in for 38 minutes. He shot an efficient 9-15 from the field to produce 19 points. The Hall of Famer racked up a double-double with 13 assists and came two rebounds shy of a triple-double. The Lakers landed a massive boost from the veteran Luke Kennard, who dropped 27 points in 38 minutes on 5-5 shooting from three.
The Lakers defeated the Rockets 107-98 to take the series lead.
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