HOUSTON — It wasn’t the prettiest recreation.
And both groups seemingly confirmed the results of a late begin.
But at this level of the season, profitable is what issues most, and that’s precisely what the Lakers did in their 100-92 victory over the Rockets at Toyota Center.
Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 36 factors, six rebounds, 4 assists and a pair of steals.
Los Angeles Lakers’ Luka Doncic shoots as Houston Rockets’ Amen Thompson defends. AP
LeBron James had 18 factors, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and two steals. Marcus Smart completed with 11 factors, taking pictures 3-of-7 on 3-pointers.
Austin Reaves struggled with his shot (5 of 18) but completed with 15 factors, 5 assists and 4 steals.
What it means
The Lakers improved to 43-25 on the season, not only sustaining their No. 3 spot in the Western Conference standings, but giving themselves a cushion.
They also pulled off their fourth straight win over a team with a .600-or-better profitable proportion.
Houston Rockets’ Kevin Durant is defended by Los Angeles Lakers’ Marcus Smart. AP
Turning level
When Tari Eason was called for goaltending on Deandre Ayton with 3:16 left in the recreation.
The rating not only put the Lakers up 89-88, but it was technically their first made basket in eight minutes of recreation motion.
The Lakers closed out the recreation on a 13-4 run.
MVP: Luka Doncic
Doncic had his sixth recreation scoring at least 30 factors.
Luka Doncic shined once again. NBAE via Getty Images
Stat of the recreation: 15
That’s how many offensive reboudnds the Rockets grabbed.
The Rockets scored 23 second-chance factors off of these additional alternatives, their largest benefit over the Lakers, who scored 11 second-chance factors.
But the Lakers scored seven more factors from the three throw line.
Up next
The Lakers will play the Rockets again on Wednesday at Toyota Center for the second matchup of their six-game journey.
Source hyperlink
