LOS ANGELES — Kevin Durant’s return highlighted the Lakers’ 101-94 victory over the Rockets, putting them up 2-0 in the series. Despite LeBron James’s impressive 28-point performance, it was the Lakers’ defense and the contributions of Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard, who combined for 48 points, that proved decisive. Durant struggled in the second half, scoring only three points as the Lakers effectively neutralized him. The Rockets, missing key players, must improve their shooting to contend in the series as it heads to Houston.
