Kennard's 27 points shone throughout the game as the Lakers defeated the Rockets 107-98.

April 19th - The Lakers defeated the Rockets 107-98. Kennard contributed 27 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists, while James added 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 13 assists. For the Rockets, Shen Jing scored 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists, while Sheppard had 17 points, 1 rebound, and 8 assists.

In the first quarter, James orchestrated the offense, leading the team to establish a lead. The Rockets relied on Shen Jing and outside shooting to keep the score close. At the end of the first quarter, the Lakers led 33-29. In the second quarter, the Lakers once extended their lead to double digits, with James frequently dishing out assists to help his teammates score easily. However, the Rockets relied on Thompson and Sheppard to hit consecutive shots to narrow the gap. At halftime, the Lakers led 50-48.

After switching sides, Kennard hit consecutive three-pointers, and with Smart and Ayton combining inside and outside play, the Lakers regained control of the game. At the end of the third quarter, the Lakers led 75-66 . In the final quarter, the Lakers relied on consecutive long-range shots from Kennard and James to extend their lead to 16 points. Although the Rockets continued to close the gap through Ethan and Shen Jing, the Lakers maintained their advantage thanks to Ayton's consistent inside performance. Ultimately, the Lakers defeated the Rockets 107-98 .

Rockets player statistics

Shen Jing had 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists; Shepard had 17 points, 1 rebound, and 8 assists; Thompson had 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists; Ethan had 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 assists; Smith had 16 points and 12 rebounds; Okogie had 7 points and 1 assist; Tate had 4 points and 4 rebounds; Capela had 2 points and 2 rebounds.

Lakers player statistics

Kennard had 27 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists; James had 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 13 assists; Ayton had 19 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 assists; Smart had 15 points, 2 rebounds, and 8 assists; Hachimura had 14 points and 2 rebounds; La Lavia had 6 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists; Hayes had 4 points and 1 rebound; Vanderbilt had 3 points and 5 rebounds.

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