ClutchFans Game Thread: Rockets @ Lakers 4/18/2026 (Playoffs Round 1, Game 1)

Let's see if LeBron could close this out with some jump shots. Easier said than done, but don't let him drive and don't double.

They have to find a way to score without it looking like chaos. But at least they seem to have found a way to defend the Lakers in the second quarter. If they find a way to play a decent offense, they will win this.

 

There’s no way you watched the first quarter if you think the Lakers weren’t hitting contested shots.

 

It's the same offense as last week but without the 5th leading scorer of all time who puts up 50-40-90 seasons

 

Imagine if Ime is coaching New York

 

Why’s it so hard for Sengun to post up in the paint early vs him posting up from the three point line and backing down?

 

Ime getting punked again by a more creative coach.

The fact that we are down 2 after this ridiculous magnet ball half from the Fakers is a miracle

The fact that we are as bad as we are playing a team led by a middle aged LeBron even without KD is laughable

Mediocre coaching prep and skill + No real alpha in the young guys

 

Yeah, they were definitely shooting it hot/lucky in the first quarter.

Fair bit of us just breaking down and giving them clean lanes to the rim as well both quarters, though.

 

Lakers def since all their salary goes to their big 3. The rest of their team are like vet min/discount guys lol

 

for someone that was an assistant coach under pops, not able to generate an offensive scheme is wild to me.

you know what this tells me? superstar player IS the offense

pops had Duncan and robinson all those years. once timmy retires, pops didn't win jack shiet

 

They were contested much more in the second quarter. Kennard was taking and making warm-up shots and only started missing in the second.

 

Also Sengun has become an all talk no show guy

“I will be aggressive”

yeah damn right aggressively missing bunnies

 

Right Ime getting beat by JJ Redick is comical

 

Alright yall. Let’s get this win. We need to make shots.

 

Defense absolutely got better in second quarter…no argument there

 

Reed!!!

 

Bari and Reed need to be the ones to carry us and hit open 3s

 

Thats why I keep saying KD saved the entire season cuz if he wasnt around you can see the team struggles to score. Because he only missed 4 games which the Rox all won some posters here suddenly thought the offense would be better without him lol.

 

Reed 3! For the lead!

 

STOP THE COUNT

 

Ime can't use what players are good at.

Sengun standing 3pt line has 0 threat.