LeBron James Sets Oldest Double-Double Record, Lakers Win Playoff Opener Against Rockets
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, at 41 years and 109 days old, recorded 19 points and 13 assists, becoming the oldest player in NBA playoff history to achieve a "points and assists" double-double. Led by James and Luke Kennard's playoff career-high 27 points, the Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets 107-98 in their playoff opener.
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- 📰 Published: April 19, 2026 at 15:21
- 🔍 Collected: April 19, 2026 at 15:31 (9 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 19, 2026 at 16:02 (31 min after Collected)
Central News Agency
(Central News Agency, Los Angeles, 18th, comprehensive foreign report) Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James today, at 41 years and 109 days old, delivered 19 points and 13 assists, becoming the oldest player in NBA playoff history to achieve a "points and assists" double-double. Led by "King James" and Luke Kennard's playoff career-high 27 points, the team ultimately defeated the Houston Rockets 107-98, getting off to a good start in the series.
Associated Press and NBA official website reported that both teams had key players absent in the first game. For the Lakers, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have been out due to injury since April 2; for the Rockets, Kevin Durant has been sidelined due to a right knee injury during practice recently and will have to wait at least one more game for his playoff debut after transferring teams.
Amidst numerous injuries, Luke Kennard, the sharpshooter acquired by the Lakers from the Atlanta Hawks in early February this year, has gradually taken on heavy responsibilities over the past two weeks. Today, he made all 5 of his three-point attempts and hit 9 of his first 12 shots, becoming a key contributor to the victory.
After the Lakers' first basket in the second half, they led smoothly all the way, extending their advantage to 16 points in the fourth quarter.
LeBron James is playing in his 19th career playoff series. Today, he not only dished out 8 assists in the first quarter but also, at over 41 years old, surpassed Hall of Fame legendary point guard John Stockton's record of 40 years and 28 days set in 2002, becoming the oldest player to achieve a "points/assists" double-double in the playoffs. He is also the oldest player to record 10 or more assists in a single playoff game.
Veteran guard Marcus Smart also provided additional firepower for the Lakers, contributing 15 points and 8 assists in his first playoff game for the Lakers. Smart had said before the game that the outcome of the series would depend on "willpower," and the Lakers clearly showed stronger fighting spirit.
Lakers' "Prince" Bronny James entered the game in the second quarter, playing alongside his father LeBron James. This was also the 21-year-old's first significant playing time in the playoffs.
For the Rockets, with Durant out, Reed Sheppard stepped into the starting lineup, hitting 5 three-pointers and scoring 17 points. The Rockets grabbed 21 offensive rebounds, but their overall field goal percentage was suppressed to only 37.6% by the Lakers' defense. In the end, they could not overcome the Lakers, who shot over 60% from the field.
Game 2 of the series between the two teams will be held in Los Angeles on the evening of the 21st, US time. (Compiled by Tsai Chia-min) 2025/04/19
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(Central News Agency, Los Angeles, 18th, comprehensive foreign report) Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James today, at 41 years and 109 days old, delivered 19 points and 13 assists, becoming the oldest player in NBA playoff history to achieve a "points and assists" double-double. Led by "King James" and Luke Kennard's playoff career-high 27 points, the team ultimately defeated the Houston Rockets 107-98, getting off to a good start in the series.
Associated Press and NBA official website reported that both teams had key players absent in the first game. For the Lakers, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have been out due to injury since April 2; for the Rockets, Kevin Durant has been sidelined due to a right knee injury during practice recently and will have to wait at least one more game for his playoff debut after transferring teams.
Amidst numerous injuries, Luke Kennard, the sharpshooter acquired by the Lakers from the Atlanta Hawks in early February this year, has gradually taken on heavy responsibilities over the past two weeks. Today, he made all 5 of his three-point attempts and hit 9 of his first 12 shots, becoming a key contributor to the victory.
After the Lakers' first basket in the second half, they led smoothly all the way, extending their advantage to 16 points in the fourth quarter.
LeBron James is playing in his 19th career playoff series. Today, he not only dished out 8 assists in the first quarter but also, at over 41 years old, surpassed Hall of Fame legendary point guard John Stockton's record of 40 years and 28 days set in 2002, becoming the oldest player to achieve a "points/assists" double-double in the playoffs. He is also the oldest player to record 10 or more assists in a single playoff game.
Veteran guard Marcus Smart also provided additional firepower for the Lakers, contributing 15 points and 8 assists in his first playoff game for the Lakers. Smart had said before the game that the outcome of the series would depend on "willpower," and the Lakers clearly showed stronger fighting spirit.
Lakers' "Prince" Bronny James entered the game in the second quarter, playing alongside his father LeBron James. This was also the 21-year-old's first significant playing time in the playoffs.
For the Rockets, with Durant out, Reed Sheppard stepped into the starting lineup, hitting 5 three-pointers and scoring 17 points. The Rockets grabbed 21 offensive rebounds, but their overall field goal percentage was suppressed to only 37.6% by the Lakers' defense. In the end, they could not overcome the Lakers, who shot over 60% from the field.
Game 2 of the series between the two teams will be held in Los Angeles on the evening of the 21st, US time. (Compiled by Tsai Chia-min) 2025/04/19
Stand with facts, every sponsorship is a force to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency "First-hand News" APP to get the latest news instantly.
Text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or utilized without authorization.