JJ Redick Addresses LeBron James Advantage on Lakers-Rockets Playoff Scheduling
The schedule for the first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs, featuring the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets, was revealed earlier this week. Game 1 will take place in LA at the Crypto.com Arena on Saturday. That will be followed up by Game 2 on Tuesday, giving both teams more time to rest and prepare for each game.
The scheduling could give the Lakers a significant advantage since it will give them more time to prepare. They will face the Rockets withoutLuka Doncic and Austin Reaves, who are both out indefinitely due to injury. This leaves the team with just LeBron James as the lone All-Star.
The Playoff Scheduling Will Help LeBron James
Since James is the team's first option, head coach JJ Redick told reporters that the added time off will help the four-time champion. Redick addressed the scheduling during Wednesday's practice.
"He's 41. So, yeah. Any extra time off is good," the coach said.
There are three days between Gms 1 & 2, three days between Gms 2 & 3 and three days between Gms 4 & 5 in LAL-HOU series. Can that benefit LeBron James as the No. 1 option?
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 15, 2026
JJ Redick: "He's 41. So, yeah. Any extra time off is good." pic.twitter.com/CASRjspw98
Game 3 will be on Thursday in Houston, followed by Game 4 on Sunday. If needed, Game 5 is set on Wednesday, April 29. Games 6 and 7 are scheduled on May 1 and 3, respectively.
The Lakers' biggest challenge in this series is the lack of scoring punch, as they are without two of their main stars. Doncic is expected to return to Los Angeles on Friday from Spain, after receiving treatment for his Grade 2 left hamstring strain. The six-time All-Star is doing his best to shorten the 4 to 6-week recovery time.
Reaves, meanwhile, has dealt with a Grade 2 left oblique strain, and the latest update on his potential return could be around early May. The Lakers showed positive news regarding the undrafted guard's recovery on Wednesday. He was shooting free throws after the practice.
The first round matchup will feature another classic showdown between James and Kevin Durant. In the playoffs, the Rockets' star holds a 9-5 record over the four-time MVP. This is also the first time since the 2018 NBA Finals that the two superstars will face off in the postseason.
The Lakers will turn to James to lead them in the postseason. Even though the team lacks firepower, Durant doesn't want the Rockets to underestimate their opponent.
"They got guys who can step up and fill some of those roles that they're missing," Durant said. "Missing two of the best players in the league is tough to make up for, but they got guys that can come in and make a huge impact."
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This story was originally published April 15, 2026 at 3:10 PM.