With Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves sidelined by injury, the Los Angeles Lakers' offense will run even more through LeBron James as their first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets tips off. That puts a massive spotlight on Houston's defensive game plan: how do you slow down one of the greatest offensive forces in NBA history?

Rockets head coach Ime Udoka addressed that very question at Wednesday's practice, and his answer was clear—Houston plans to use a committee approach. "Multiple guys," Udoka stated. "You know Josh [Okogie] will be there, Tari [Eason] will be there, Jabari [Smith Jr.], Kevin [Durant], and Amen [Thompson] as well. We like the length and size that we have on the wings. We can throw different bodies at him."

This strategy leverages the Rockets' roster construction, which is rich with versatile, long defenders. Beyond the primary ball handlers, Udoka expressed confidence in his team's size advantages across most matchups. The ability to switch comfortably on the numerous screens set for James will be crucial, and having multiple capable defenders helps mitigate fatigue and foul trouble over a grueling series.

While Udoka didn't officially name a single primary defender, the order of his list is telling. He first mentioned defensive stalwarts Josh Okogie and Tari Eason, hinting they might see the bulk of the initial assignment. This aligns with Udoka's noted preference for "length and size" on the perimeter.

The decision is also connected to the final starting spot alongside Houston's core of Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., Amen Thompson, and Alperen Şengün. Okogie and Eason, who both received starts late in the regular season, appear to be the frontrunners for that role, setting the tone defensively from the opening tip. As the series unfolds, watch for Houston to rotate its athletic defenders in an effort to contain King James and control the tempo of the game.