LeBron James Leads Lakers Past Rockets as Victor Wembanyama Suffers Concussion in Playoff Defeat

Posted : 22 April 2026

LeBron James delivered another standout playoff performance as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets 101-94 to take control of their first-round NBA playoff series. The victory came despite the absence of key scorers Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, both sidelined with injuries, but James stepped up with a commanding display.

The 41-year-old veteran recorded 28 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists to guide the Lakers to a 2-0 series lead. His leadership proved decisive as Los Angeles held off a determined Houston side, even with Kevin Durant returning for the Rockets after missing Game 1. Durant led Houston with 23 points but struggled after halftime, committing nine turnovers and scoring just three points in the second half.

James emphasised the importance of matching Houston’s intensity, noting that the Lakers understood the urgency of the playoff atmosphere and responded accordingly. The series now shifts to Houston for the next two games in the best-of-seven format.

Elsewhere in the playoffs, San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama suffered a worrying injury during his team’s defeat to the Portland Trail Blazers. The 7-foot-4 French centre collided awkwardly while driving to the basket and hit his face on the court midway through the second quarter.

Wembanyama, who has been named this season’s Defensive Player of the Year, left the game after entering concussion protocol and did not return. The Spurs later confirmed he had sustained a concussion. Under NBA guidelines, he will be required to sit out for at least 24 hours and undergo a 48-hour recovery period before resuming full activity.

Despite his absence, the Trail Blazers went on to secure a narrow 106-103 win, with Scoot Henderson leading all scorers with 31 points. The result levelled their series at 1-1.

In another Eastern Conference matchup, the Philadelphia 76ers responded strongly after a Game 1 defeat, beating the Boston Celtics 111-97 to even their series. VJ Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey combined for 59 points, with Edgecombe scoring a game-high 30.

Boston’s Jaylen Brown led all Celtics scorers with 36 points, while Jayson Tatum added 19, but the defending Eastern Conference contenders were unable to match Philadelphia’s intensity as the series now shifts to the 76ers’ home court.

LeBron James Leads Lakers Past Rockets as Victor Wembanyama Suffers Concussion in Playoff Defeat

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