A depleted Lakers roster and the surging Rockets collide in a first-round playoff matchup that feels tilted from the start.

The Los Angeles Lakers secured home-court advantage after defeating the Phoenix Suns. They closed the regular season with another dominant performance. Despite playing without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, veteran star LeBron James stepped up once again and guided the Lakers to a 131–107 victory over the Utah Jazz.

The Lakers signed a guard to add depth before the NBA playoffs, filling a void left by injuries for Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

LeBron James had 18 points, six assists and four rebounds in the first half, and the Los Angeles Lakers tuned up for the postseason with a 131-107 win over the Utah Jazz on Sunday night. Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton each had 22 points and 10 assists.

The Lakers signed Smith, who was on a two-way contract, to a two-year deal to make him postseason-eligible and replace Kobe Bufkin on the roster after he was waived Thursday.

The Utah Jazz and LA Lakers are on for game 82 of 82.

LeBron James had 18 points, six assists and four rebounds in the first half, and the Los Angeles Lakers tuned up for the postseason with a 131-107 win over the Utah Jazz.

LeBron James has had to carry a heavier load for the Los Angeles Lakers of late. This is after they lost both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves to major injuries just weeks before the start of the NBA playoffs.

Lamine Yamal changes his profile picture to LeBron James’ iconic 2016 NBA Finals moment, signaling belief in a Barcelona comeback vs Atlético Madrid in the Champions League.