Lakers take 2-0 lead on Rockets without Luka Doncic, without Austin Reaves

The Lakers are missing pieces. They are not missing belief.

LeBron James led the way with 28 points, eight rebounds and seven assists as Los Angeles beat the visiting Rockets, 101-94, on Tuesday to take a 2-0 series lead.

No Luka Doncic. No Austin Reaves. Same result. That is the story.

The Lakers have now done this twice, leaning on depth, defense and a 41-year-old who still knows exactly when to take over.

“Just as hard as we played in Game 1, we had to double that in Game 2,” James told NBC. “(But) it’s the first to four. It’s never first to one, first to two…. We gotta be ready in Houston.”

Marcus Smart added 25 points and seven assists, while Luke Kennard chipped in 23.

It was not flashy. It was controlled.

Los Angeles held a narrow lead most of the fourth, never letting Houston get comfortable. The biggest moment came late, when Smart found James cutting down the lane for a dunk that pushed the lead and the momentum.

From there, it was about closing. Kennard knocked down free throws. Defense did the rest.

“They want me to be aggressive, each and every day,” Kennard told NBC. “They want me to get shots up.”

Houston had its chance, especially with Kevin Durant back. He finished with 23 points, but just three came after halftime. The Lakers made him work for everything and took him out of rhythm when it mattered most.

That has been a theme. The Rockets shot just over 40 percent and hit only seven threes. Alperen Sengun recorded 20 points and 11 rebounds, with Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson adding support. It was not enough.

Now the series shifts to Houston.

The Lakers have the lead. More importantly, they have the feel of a team that knows exactly who it is, even without everyone available.