Franklin's Luke Kennard scores game-high 27 points as Lakers win Game 1

Apr. 19—Luke Kennard didn't take long to have an impact on the Los Angeles Lakers' playoffs.

Kennard, a Franklin High School graduate who played two seasons at Duke University, scored a game-high 27 points Saturday night as the short-handed Lakers upset the Houston Rockers 107-98 in the first game of the Western Division playoffs.

Kennard scored 11 of those points in the first quarter and finished the game 9 of 13 from the field, 5 of 5 from 3-point range and 4 of 6 from the line.

He was acquired by the Lakers from the Atlanta Hawks in February and was expected to be a role player and a 3-point specialist after leading the NBA in 3-point accuracy for the third time in his career.

But after Luka Doncic, the team's leading scorer, and Austin Reaves, another starter, were injured late in the regular season, Kennard's playing time and production have increased. He has suddenly become a starter and a key part of the Lakers' playoff plans.

The 27-point output in the playoffs was the most for Kennard, who has played in 29 playoff games during his nine-year career with the Detroit Hawks, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Hawks and Lakers.

"It's one of the greatest feelings for sure, to have that — to know they're (cheering) for you and your team, and you know you did something special to help this team win," Kennard told the media after the series-opening victory.

LeBron James had 19 points and 13 assists as the Lakers capitalized on Kevin Durant's injury.

Los Angeles thrived by hitting 60.6% of its shots while holding the Rockets to 37.6% shooting.