Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick lauded LeBron James' leadership after the NBA superstar played a key role in a 107-98 playoff win over the Houston Rockets.

The Lakers are a game up in their first-round series.

Their victory came despite the absences of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, who remain sidelined through injury.

Luke Kennard scored a career playoff-high 27 points, while James finished with 19 points and provided 13 assists and Deandre Ayton also had 19 points and 11 rebounds for the fourth-seeded Lakers.

"He displayed great leadership throughout," Redick said of James.

"We talked all week about being connected offensively and trusting the pass. He led us there in the first half, getting 10 assists, and then was able to make some scoring plays down the stretch.

"Just a fantastic overall game from him, and he gave us all he had on the defensive end. I mean, he really exerted himself on both ends, and that's what the playoffs are."

All five starters in double figures pic.twitter.com/Tc1RdfamfU

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 19, 2026

For his part, James revelled in the chance to be a "triple threat".

He said: "For me, I have got to do a little bit of everything.

"It's what the job requires. So being a triple threat, being able to rebound, being able to pass, being able to shoot and also defend and put myself in a position where I can bring value to this ballclub, bring value to this team throughout this series."

The Rockets were without Kevin Durant, but Redick feels the Lakers did well not to let his absence impact how they played.

"I don't think it affected our mentality," Redick said.

"I thought our guys just responded well and met the moment. I mean, that's the biggest thing: You've got to meet the moment in every game. And they were able to do that."