Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka addressed Kevin Durant’s expanding role as the team trails 0-2 in their first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers, highlighting how the veteran forward is being used across multiple positions.
Udoka, speaking in comments reported by Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, emphasized Durant’s flexibility within Houston’s system. “I would say that he’s played every position, and he’s comfortable at all of them,” Udoka said. “I think for us, knowing that Fred is out, our young guys are learning on the fly—he’s had to handle it at times more than he’s used to.”
The Rockets have leaned heavily on Durant as both a scorer and primary initiator, especially after losing Fred VanVleet to a preseason ACL injury. That shift has forced Houston to rely on Durant’s all-around offensive control.
Udoka outlined how the team continues to deploy him in varied roles. “Whatever you want to call him—a two, three, four—he’s comfortable at all those and we can use him basically the same at all those positions,” he said.
That versatility has also drawn increased defensive pressure from the Lakers, who have repeatedly blitzed Durant on the perimeter to force the ball out of his hands. Udoka acknowledged the issue directly. “Turnover numbers are too high at times, but they’re swarming him and blitzing him quite a bit,” he said.
Despite that pressure, Houston continues to use Durant as a central offensive engine due to his screening gravity and ability to create advantages. “The fact that he can screen and people won’t leave his body allows guys to free up to get downhill or him handling or post up iso and he can do all the above,” Udoka explained.
Durant’s durability has also become a key factor in the series. Now in his 19th NBA season, he played 41 minutes in Game 2 after returning from a knee contusion. Udoka pointed to the forward’s sustained level of play. “To be able to do this with longevity, and at this high level, it’s incredible,” he said.
Houston enters Game 3 at Toyota Center needing to adjust against a disciplined Lakers defense that has controlled pace and limited clean scoring opportunities. Udoka stressed consistency in execution as the priority moving forward.
“Whether you make or miss a shot, you can live with that, but doing the right thing… that was different from the first half,” he said.
With the series shifting to Houston, the Rockets face a critical test of structure and composure as they attempt to stabilize their offense around Durant’s multi-positional role and avoid falling into a 0-3 deficit.
