Former NBA Champion Calls out the Rockets for Not Following a Gameplan Against LeBron James’ Lakers

Kenny Smith called out the Houston Rockets for not having a gameplan against the Lakers.

Former NBA Champion Calls out the Rockets for Not Following a Gameplan Against LeBron James’ Lakers

Kenny Smith (Image credits - Firstsportz)

Inside the NBA show hosted by Ernie Johnson and joined by three former players and analysts: Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, and Shaquille O’Neal are back for the playoffs. Two of the panelists, Barkley and Smith were former players of the Houston Rockets and neither was impressed by what they saw on Saturday night.

There was a lot of talk about this series heading into the playoffs, as it pitted LeBron James and Kevin Durant against one another for the first time since the 2018 NBA Finals. With Durant ruled out due to a knee injury, the Lakers registered a 107-98 win over the Rockets in game one at the Crypto.com. After the game, Smith was critical of the Rockets’ defense.

I just don’t think they’re following a game plan or THE game plan. If you look at the game plan, I would say we’re going to stay at home on everyone else other than LeBron. We’re not going to make LeBron a great passer. So, the other game plan has to be, Luke Kennard, we’re running him off the line, so how does he get open?

Kenny Smith on Inside The NBA

Kenny Smith was not happy with the Rockets’ defensive game plan against the Lakers. They had no answers for Luke Kennard. The Lakers guard scored a game-high 27 points and made five out of five three-point attempts. It was his highest points scored in a playoff game in his career.

With a hamstring injury to Luka Doncic and a Grade 2 left oblique muscle injury to Austin Reaves, the Lakers were missing two primary scorers and ball-handlers. While Doncic was having an MVP-caliber season, Reaves was having a breakout season in the NBA.

Hence, heading into the playoffs, the Lakers were dependent on a 41-year-old LeBron James to carry the workload. They were shorthanded in the game but were handed a boost when Kevin Durant was ruled out as well.

Charles Barkley slams the Houston Rockets’ offense

Without Kevin Durant in the lineup, the Rockets were missing their top scorer this season. They had a poor night from the field as they shot at just 37.6% from the field and went 33.3% from beyond the arc.

While Kenny Smith called out the team’s defense, Charles Barkley went after their offense.

They just play one-on-one basketball… they don’t run plays… what are they doing? Whoever gets it shoots it… they have KD to cover up all their flaws… I have no idea what kind of offense they are running… it was awful to watch.

Charles Barkley on Inside The NBA

The Rockets seemed to be out of ideas without Durant. To go along with their inefficient scoring, no player even touched the 20-point mark against the Lakers. Head coach Ime Udoka and his coaching staff will need to make some adjustments and hope to see Durant back for game two on Tuesday.

LeBron James is in his Magic Johnson era

There has arguably been no player in NBA history as gifted as LeBron James. While he has always stood out for his athleticism and longevity, he is also an elite passer. On Saturday, James recorded a double-double as he scored 19 points to go along with eight rebounds and 13 assists.

LeBron James has left people in awe
LeBron James has left people in awe (Image via Lakers Daily/X)

Five-time NBA champion with the Lakers, Derek Fisher, believes that the king is in his Magic Johnson era.

We could say this is his Magic Johnson era right now. You can still win championships with a guy like him leading the charge.

There were doubts about whether the Lakers could beat the Rockets with James leading the charge. Game one has shown that they can, but he will need his teammates to step up as well. In game one, all five Lakers starters scored double-digit points. Promising signs ahead for the Lakers.

Also Read: