LeBron Doesn’t Buy Durant’s “Struggles”: “He’ll Be Even More Locked In”
The Lakers win Game 2 and take a 2-0 lead over the Rockets, but JJ Redick and LeBron James keep the focus high
The Los Angeles Lakers also take Game 2, beating the Rockets 101-94, but the mood in L.A. is anything but relaxed. Despite a key win and a 2-0 series lead, JJ Redick and LeBron James made it clear: no room for complacency, especially after a tough night for Kevin Durant.
The former GSW star had an unusual game, finishing with 23 points but also a telling stat: 9 turnovers, a personal playoff career-high, and just four shot attempts in the second half.
Numbers that only partially describe his night, because his ability to impact the game remains unquestioned.
Redick: “Durant Can Flip a Series at Any Moment”
The Lakers’ head coach dismissed any talk of the series being over or of a psychological edge over Durant. His message was direct:
It’s just the beginning. A player like that can take over a series at any moment. We have to keep defending as a team and maintain a high level of intensity
JJ Redick
LeBron James Shuts Down Any Excitement: “No Satisfaction”
Even more direct was LeBron James, who quickly dismissed any idea of a psychological advantage after Durant’s quiet second half.
No satisfaction. If anything, this will motivate him even more for Game 3. He’s a first-ballot Hall of Famer – he’s going to make more positive plays than negative ones
LeBron James
LeBron also reinforced a key message for the Lakers locker room: the job is far from finished. The series remains open and dangerous, especially with a talent like Durant ready to respond.
LeBron and the Reverse Dunk
Among the lighter moments of the night was a highlight involving LeBron himself. Asked about his reverse dunk, the four-time NBA champion responded with his usual mix of humor and disbelief:
I don’t even know what that was. I need to sit down. I need to go sit somewhere
LeBron James
Heading to Game 3 in Houston
The series now shifts to Houston for Games 3 and 4, scheduled for April 24 and 26. The Lakers lead 2-0, but internally, there’s no sense of a decisive edge.
The mindset is clear: at least one road win is still needed to truly take control of the series, without leaving room for a potential comeback led by a Kevin Durant ready to change the course of the matchup.