LeBron vs Durant one last time? Inside the matchups that could decide the Rockets-Lakers series

There’s a strange, almost cruel symmetry to the way this first-round series between the Rockets and the Lakers has taken shape.Three weeks ago, the Lakers looked like one of the NBA’s best teams, on the precipice of making a deep playoff run.Meanwhile, the Rockets were stumbling through March grasping for something to hold onto.Now the roles have reversed, violently.The Lakers limp into the postseason missing their top two scorers in Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves — that’s nearly 60 points per game gone like smoke.The Rockets enter the playoffs soaring, winners of nine of their last 10 games.

They’ve rediscovered their identity, and it starts and ends on the defensive end.The Lakers will try to hold onto the rope long enough for their two stars to try to come back later in the series.Until then, here are some of the matchups to look for:The Lakers’ only chance of getting past Houston without Doncic and Reaves hangs on the back of a 41-year-old LeBron James.Houston won’t treat him like a king.

The Rockets will treat him like the head of the snake.Stop him and let the role players try to beat you.

Unfortunately for the Lakers, Houston has a lot of players on its roster who can do that.California's top news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.

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Never miss a story Let’s start with Amen Thompson — long, relentless and unapologetically physical.He finished fifth for NBA Defensive Player of the Year voting last season, and we expect another top-five finish this year.

Thompson will take on the assignment of guarding James straight up at times, stripping away the need for help defense thereby allowing the rest of the players to stay home on their assignments.When Thompson’s not on LeBron, the Rockets can also throw 6-foot-11 forward Jabari Smith Jr.on him with his over 7-foot wingsp...