Alperen Sengun Sums Up How Rockets Lost to Injury-Depleted LeBron James-Led Lakers

Alperen Sengun reflected on Houston Rockets' first round loss to LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers last season.

Alperen Sengun Sums Up How Rockets Lost to Injury-Depleted LeBron James-Led Lakers

Alperen Sengun and LeBron James (Image credits - Yahoo Sports)

There were a lot of hopes and expectations surrounding Alperen Sengun and the Houston Rockets last season. They came off an impressive 2024-25 campaign, finishing second in the West before an experienced Golden State Warriors team eliminated them in seven games in the first round.

Hence, the Rockets were expected to have a better 2025-26 campaign. Some even viewed them as contenders after they traded for Kevin Durant in the offseason. Unfortunately, they were knocked out in the first round once again by LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Rockets entered the series with a huge advantage, as Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves were out with injuries. But they were dealt a blow when Durant suffered a knee injury and featured in just one game.

During his press conference, Sengun discussed key takeaways from their first-round exit to the Lakers last season.

We beat them in every stat, but the experience beat us.

Alperen Sengun in his press conference

With Doncic missing the entire playoffs, a 41-year-old James had to lead the purple and gold. The King elevated his game when it mattered the most and played an instrumental role in taking out the Rockets in six games.

The Rockets did mount a small comeback from 3-0 down after winning Games 4 and 5. But in the end, LeBron James and the Lakers closed out the series with a 20-point blowout in Game 6.

It was a disappointing end to Sengun’s campaign as he and his teammates suffered their second consecutive first-round exit. However, he believes that the lack of playoff experience cost his team against the Lakers even though they dominated in every stat.

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Jabari Smith Jr. believes the Rockets underachieved last season

The Rockets were expected to take a big leap last season after finishing second in the preceding season. While they did secure a direct playoff spot, they finished fifth in the Western Conference standings with a 52-30 record.

With a group of young and talented players like Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson, led by Durant, back-to-back first-round exits feel like an underachievement. So it wasn’t surprising when Smith Jr. said they have a chip on their shoulder heading into the new season.

We haven’t done anything. We have nothing to look back and be proud of. Everybody around the organization knows we’re better than what we put out in the playoffs. We’re just going to put our heads down and work.

Jabari Smith Jr. in his press conference

The Rockets are determined to use their first-round exit as inspiration going into the 2026–27 season. With Fred VanVleet returning from a torn right ACL and Durant healthy, the pressure on the Rockets to contend for the championship next year will be higher than ever.

Alperen Sengun reveals goal of being the best NBA player

The Oklahoma City Thunder drafted Sengun with the 16th pick in the 2021 NBA draft. However, the Thunder traded his draft rights to the Rockets in exchange for two future first-round picks.

Alperen Sengun
Alperen Sengun (Image credits – Bleacher Report)

The Turkish center has shown remarkable growth with every passing season. He earned his first All-Star selection in his fourth year and his second selection last season.

At 24, he has a lot of growing left to do as he enters his prime. During his press conference, he shared why he wants to be the best player in the NBA.

Every year it’s a different expectation. It just gets bigger and bigger. That’s how you become a better player. I want to be the best player in this league one day. It’s good to be having those expectations. It’s making me a better player, it’s making me a better person. I love those pressures.

Alperen Sengun in his press conference

Each year, Sengun has improved from a role player to a star to an All-Star. So Sengun will look to make another significant jump in his career next season.

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