Durant not only Rockets weapon, Lakers star James warns

TL;DR

LeBron James warns that Kevin Durant isn't the only threat as the Lakers face the Rockets in the NBA playoffs. The series begins Saturday, with both teams featuring strong supporting casts.

Key points

Lakers face Rockets in NBA playoffs starting Saturday
LeBron James emphasizes the Rockets' strong supporting cast
Kevin Durant downplays individual rivalry with James
Injuries to Doncic and Reaves affect Lakers' lineup
Rivalry between James and Durant dates back to 2008

Mentioned in this story

JJ Redick

Los Angeles LakersHouston Rockets

Houston's Kevin Durant and Los Angeles' LeBron James are set to renew their rivalry when the Rockets and Lakers meet in the first round of the NBA playoffs (Alex Slitz) (Alex Slitz/GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/Getty Images via AFP) Superstar LeBron James warned Thursday that Kevin Durant isn't the only threat the depleted Los Angeles Lakers must be wary of in their NBA playoffs first-round clash with the Houston Rockets. The series, which starts on Saturday in Los Angeles, has been billed as a renewal of their rivalry, which stretches back to 2008 and includes three clashes in the NBA Finals. In the 2012 Finals, James's Miami Heat beat Durant's Oklahoma City Thunder. Five years later Durant's Golden State Warriors beat James's Cleveland Cavaliers in the championship series, repeating the feat the following season. James has long voiced his admiration for Durant, his teammate on two Olympic gold medal-winning teams. But the 41-year-old said the Lakers can't afford to disregard Durant's supporting cast. "We know that he's the head of the snake," James said. "But it's the Houston Rockets and they have some damn good players on their team. "It's not just a KD team. It's the whole group," James added, calling out , and in noting that "everyone who goes on the floor is a threat, and we have to be ready for that." The Rockets' aggression could be particularly difficult for the Lakers to counter with key offensive assets and sidelined by injury. Doncic has sought treatment in Europe in a bid to hasten his return from a hamstring strain and Reaves was also sidelined late in the regular season with an oblique muscle injury, with a return date for both still uncertain. Lakers coach acknowledged that puts even more on the shoulders of James. "We're going to need him to facilitate. We're going to need him to score," Redick said. "We're going to need him to defend and rebound. "I think he recognizes the task at hand, and he's very locked in." Durant, who arrived in Houston from Phoenix last July as part of a blockbuster seven-team deal, also downplayed any individual duel with James. "It's always great playing against great players," Durant said. "You feel their presence on the floor even if you're not matched up with them. "Of course from the outside looking in, casual folks who are not in the life with us every day, yeah the matchup is definitely fun. Two great players who have been in the league for a long time. But everybody who's involved in this series knows it's much deeper than that." bb/rcw

Q&A

What is the significance of the Lakers vs Rockets playoff series?

The Lakers vs Rockets series marks a renewal of a long-standing rivalry, with both teams featuring star players and significant playoff history.

Who are the key players for the Houston Rockets in the playoffs?

Key players for the Rockets include Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, and Jabari Smith, highlighting their strong supporting cast.

What injuries are affecting the Lakers ahead of the playoffs?

The Lakers are dealing with injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, which could impact their performance against the Rockets.

Durant not only Rockets weapon, Lakers star James warns

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

Related Articles

Sources: Collier back to Lynx on supermax deal

Sources: NWSL expected to vote on calendar shift

Warriors to evaluate Steve Kerr's future carefully after season

Barcelona star optimistic in spite of Champions League exit – “We will fight for this European trophy”

Browns' Todd Monken gives Shedeur Sanders a pass, Colorado offense wasn't NFL ready

Florida baseball takes series opener against Auburn

More from Sports