LeBron James knows exactly whats in front of the Los Angeles Lakers, and its not just Kevin Durant.With Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves sidelined to open the series, James is expected to step back into a primary role against a deep and physical Houston Rockets squad.But while Durant headlines the matchup, LeBron made it clear the challenge runs far deeper.Its the playoffs. You gotta be locked in, James said after practice. Weve had some really good says over the last couple days and still have another one tomorrow and then a little bit of time off Saturday to prepare for Game 1.James didnt shy away from praising Durant, but quickly shifted the focus to Houstons overall roster.I think the last time we was in Houston I told you all how great hes been since he picked up a basketball, James said of Durant. So thats one part of it, obviously we know thats the head of the snake. But its the Houston Rockets and they have some damn good players on their team. Its not just a KD team. Its the whole group. Like I said, KD is gonna do what KD does, hes a Hall of Famer, we know that. So we have to prepare not only for him, but for the whole groupThey possess some really damn good players on the floor, and we have to be ready for all of that. From KD, to Sengun, to the Thompson twin, Jabari Smith, Eason, Sheppard. Everyone who goes on the floor is a threat and we have to be ready for that.For the Lakers, it wont just be about LeBrons production, it will be about whether the group can match Houstons intensity. Players like Marcus Smart, Deandre Ayton, and Rui Hachimura are expected to play key roles, while others deeper in the rotation could be called upon in a high-pressure setting.Related Article: Giannis Antetokounmpo Vents About Bucks and FutureREAD MORE: Tyrese Haliburton Opens Up on Battle With Shingles
