HOUSTON — It was simply 1 ½ weeks in the past the place there have been questions on how the Lakers fared towards the league’s greatest groups – particularly within the Western Convention.
It took them simply 10 days to quell these issues, with Wednesday’s 124-116 win over the Rockets at Toyota Middle, their second straight over the Rockets after Monday’s win in the identical area.
Luka Donicic led the Lakers with a close to 40-point triple double, ending with 40 factors, 10 assists and 9 rebounds.
LeBron James turned again the clock with six dunks as a part of a 30-point efficiency.
Deandre Ayton had 16 factors and three blocked pictures, whereas Austin Reaves completed with 14 factors and eight assists.
What it means
The Lakers received their seventh-straight recreation which ties a season-high from November.
They improved to 44-25 on the season, sustaining being the third seed within the Western Convention standings.
Turning level
When Doncic made a turnaround 3-pointer with 3:12 remaining within the recreation to offer the Lakers a 113-109 lead.
Doncic’s sixth 3 of the night time got here after he assisted Rui Hachimura on a nook 3 that gave the Lakers a 110-109 benefit after they exchanged leads with the Rockets.
The Lakers led for the rest of the sport.
MVP: Luka Doncic
This might’ve simply been James, who had a near-perfect taking pictures efficiency, making 13 of his 14 area aim makes an attempt.
However Doncic’s late-game heroics – which included the stepback 3 to place the Lakers up 120-111 with 58 seconds left – provides him the nod.
Stat of the sport
That was the variety of 3s Doncic made on Wednesday, placing him at 223 for the season.
He’s three away from tying D’Angelo Russell’s franchise file for many made 3s in a season (226), which he set in 2023-24.
Up subsequent
The Lakers will shut out their back-to-back set with a matchup towards the Warmth on Thursday night time at Kaseya Middle.
