Overview
- LeBron James powered the Lakers to a 101-94 Game 2 win over the Rockets, scoring 28 points to put Los Angeles up 2-0 in the first round.
- Through two games of the series, James is averaging roughly 22 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists as the Lakers control the matchup.
- ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said he met with bosses to plan retirement coverage after James first came back from sciatica in late 2025 and looked, in his words, like an old man who could not compete.
- Windhorst attributed that early dip to a lost summer of training and no camp, then noted James rebuilt his conditioning by spring and managed his back to stay effective.
- He also said James adjusted his role midseason to fit Austin Reaves and Luka Dončić before shifting back into a lead role, with most outlets now expecting him to play next season despite month-to-month uncertainty.