We just witnessed 41-year-old LeBron James lead the Lakers past the Houston Rockets’ season with 28 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds in Game 6 in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. Officially becoming the oldest player in history to lead a playoff series in total points. For a team that many said was too old and slow to survive without their two leading offensive scorers. Moments like LeBron’s steal and three to tie the game in Game Four, or when the father and son duo went on a scoring run in Game Three by themselves, or Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart taking over Games One and Two. But of course, this doesn’t come without a catch, like the next opponent being the defending champs.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander & Chet Holmgren Oklahome City Thunder Round 1 Vs. PHX Suns
Apr 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of the jersey of Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) and guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) against the Phoenix Suns during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Champs Might Be Getting Deja Vu

While the NBA world has been busy crowning LeBron for surviving a first-round bloodbath. The Oklahoma City Thunder has been resting, waiting at the top of the mountain. Lakers fans remember the four regular-season matchups too well, as the Thunder dominated in a season sweep where Los Angeles wasn’t just beaten; they were bullied. Now, they’re rested, they’re healthy, and they’ve spent the last week watching the shorthanded Lakers exhaust themselves to advance past Houston.

Luka Doncic Lakers Vs Houston Rockets
May 1, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77, middle) reacts after a made basket against the Houston Rockets during the fourth quarter of game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images

Let’s Get Real About Luka

After it was reported Luka Doncic hasn’t started court movement by the end of round one, it began to sink in that we will not see the best version of the Slovenian MVP candidate in the playoffs. Even if we do see Luka return by Game 3 in Los Angeles, asking a guy to navigate a defense anchored by Lu Dort and Cason Wallace is a tall order. The Lakers just survived a fight, but they’re about to walk into a war.

End Of Jarred’s Lakers Playoff Run Rant

We’ve seen a multitude of role players for the Lakers finding their stride in the first round. LeBron is defying NBA history books in every game, and Austin Reaves is looking to keep ramping up his production on the offensive end. But will that be enough to shock the NBA world and handle a 64-win machine who has clearly had their way with the Lakers in recent history?