Are the Lakers Favorites Now vs. Rockets? Can LA's Role Players Step Up in Houston?

Locked On Lakers - Daily Podcast On The Los Angeles Lakers · Apr 23, 2026 · 25m

In a series where the Lakers came in as heavy underdogs, the Lakers now have a 2-0 lead heading into Game 2 in Houston.

So are they now series favorites?

A lot goes into that. Are the Lakers playing above their heads right now? Do you think Houston's offense can improve? if so, how much? Insofar as the Lakrs are concerned, it should be heartening to see that, while maybe the shotmaking has been a little elevated, there's little LA is doing that feels unsustainable, and the discipline and confidence with which they're playing seems unlikely to waver, even if Houston takes a game or two. Which…