Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James once again proved to the NBA world that he’s still able to put on a King-like performance when necessary.
In Game 1 against the Kevin Durant-less Houston Rockets on Saturday night, James filled the stat sheet in 38 minutes to lift the Lakers past Houston 107-98 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
James almost posted a triple-double, drawing some comparisons to Lakers legend Magic Johnson.
Derek Fisher Compares Lakers Superstar LeBron James to Magic Johnson
After James scored 19 points, dished out 13 assists, and grabbed 8 rebounds, five-time NBA champion Derek Fisher brought up Johnson’s name while discussing the 41-year-old’s performance.
Derek Fisher on Lebron:
“We could say this is his Magic Johnson era right now. You can still win championships with a guy like him leading the charge” pic.twitter.com/dcg7NJ0YUs
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) April 19, 2026
“We could say this is his Magic Johnson era right now, though,'” Fisher said. “Maybe the athleticism has dipped a little, even though he’s still finishing a lot of plays above the rim. But to be able to go out and [get] 19 points, 13 assists, [8] rebounds, understanding first quarter, I’m going to get everybody involved, I’m going to get us out in the break, I’m going to my shooters in a rhythm. Then, finding pockets where, ‘Alright, I’m gonna score.’ I’m gonna hit you with a little jump hook…
“To me, watching Magic and watching you guys, the way he can just manipulate and control the game without being the fastest or the most athletic, it’s not a downgrade to say that at this stage in LeBron’s journey, it could still be [his] Magic Johnson era where you can still win championships with a guy like him leading the charge.”
Luke Kennard led the Lakers scorers with 27 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, while Deandre Ayton matched James’ point total with 19 points. Marcus Smart chipped in 15 points in the victory as well.
James added 2 steals and 1 block in putting the Lakers on his back as they played without Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves on Saturday night.
The Lakers and Rockets will play Game 2 of their first-round series on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena, with James and Co. looking to come out with another impressive result. With Dončić and Reaves not close to returning just yet, James will have to continue to carry Los Angeles.
