Lakers

• Lakers secured a 2-0 series lead against the Houston Rockets in NBA playoffs, receiving more good news on team health amid the victory. • Updates on Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves emerged ahead of Game 2, boosting LA's momentum in the Western Conference matchup. • This strengthens Lakers' position as they aim to advance deeper in the postseason.

• Los Angeles Lakers locked in as fourth seed in Western Conference, gaining home-court advantage over Houston Rockets in first-round NBA playoffs. • The seeding positions Lakers favorably entering postseason amid tight Western standings. • Playoff matchups highlight Lakers' strong finish to regular season.

• The Los Angeles Lakers acquired All-Star guard Devin Booker from the Phoenix Suns in a multi-team trade, pairing him with LeBron James for the 2026-27 season. • The Lakers sent four future first-round picks and three young players to complete the deal worth approximately $180 million in payroll implications. • NBA insiders describe the trade as a championship-caliber move designed to compete immediately in the Western Conference.

• Los Angeles Lakers defeated Denver Nuggets in overtime, sparked by Austin Reaves' intentional missed free-throw put-back to force the extra period. • Reaves celebrated by cradling the basketball and whispering 'I love you' after the key play in the comeback win. • Young fan Jackson Tuyay's passionate cheering ignited the crowd and inspired the Lakers' defense against a top team.

Denver Nuggets face the Los Angeles Lakers at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC, pitting Nikola Jokic against LeBron James in a Western Conference showdown. Jokic leads the Nuggets with 27.8 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per game this season. Lakers seek revenge after a 112-105 loss in January. Winner gains crucial tiebreaker edge with 20 games left in regular season.