The Western Conference playoff battle has been intensifying, and the Los Angeles Lakers have taken a big step. In a rough, hard-fought matchup, the Lakers ousted the Houston Rockets 104-98 at the crypto.com arena on Monday night, keeping their postseason hopes on solid ground.
The victory wasn’t flashy, but it was important. The Rockets were playing their second consecutive game, showing fatigue in the closed minutes, and the Lakers were capitalized. With seconds left, LeBron James came up with Alperen Changen to save the game, ensuring that Houston couldn’t get the final shot at the comeback.
A slow start turns into a tight contest
The game opened with both teams struggling offensively. The first quarter was a defensive slugfest, with both teams shooting a total of 14-50 from the field. The Lakers managed only 16 points in the first 12 minutes, but they tied the game together 48-48 at halftime and fought. Luka Doncic offered the move of a highlight reel that piqued the crowd by knocking Chengen down to the floor despite the night shooting.
The Rockets regained control in the third quarter, starting an 11-2 run and leading 61-56. However, the Lakers responded, tightened their defenses and found a clutch shot and stayed within reach.
LeBron’s Hero Seals the Deal
As the final quarter unfolded, both teams showed signs of fatigue. The Rockets managed two field goals in the last five minutes, giving the Lakers enough breathing room to sneak forward. LeBron James, as always, was delivered at the time it mattered most. With 11.1 seconds left, he hit two free throws to push the lead to 102-98. In the next play, Uangün tried to attack Rim, but James met him at the top and blocked the shot with authority. Dillon Brooks made a hopeless three-point attempt, but it missed the mark and sealed off the LA victory
Statistical Leaders and Outstanding Performance
- Lakers: Luka Doncic (20 points, 9 assists, 6 rebounds), Dorian Finney Smith (20 points, 6 rebounds, 3 blocks), Gabe Vincent (20 points, 4 rebounds), LeBron James (16 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks), and Austin is released (12 points, 8 rebounds).
- rocket: Amen Thompson (20 points, 5 rebounds), Dillon Brooks (16 points, 5 rebounds), Jabari Smith Jr. (15 points, 11 rebounds), Alperen Chengen (14 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists), Tali Eason (13 points).
The Lakers scored just 39% off the field, the lowest percentage in their wins this season, but their defensive grit and clutch shot-making proved to be enough to secure a victory.
What’s next?
The Lakers (46-29) are currently the one game behind the Denver Nuggets, finishing third in the Western Conference. With only seven games left, their schedule remains brutal, featuring back-to-back showdowns with the Oklahoma City Thunder, another matchup with Rocket and a must-see game against the Golden State Warriors on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Rocket (49-27) remains in second place, but is currently only 2.5 games ahead of the Lakers’ surge. Houston returns home to face the Utah Jazz in another important game that tries to lock the high playoff seeds.
LeBron sounds an alarm: Urgency is important
After the game, LeBron James did not waste his words. “Urgent,” he said frankly. “Every play, every possession is important. The playoffs have already begun for us.”
At 40, James remains the heartbeat of this Lakers team. However, his recent performance suggests he is fighting some lingering health concerns. Reports show that he left the arena carrying a coughing stool, nose spray and cold medicine.
It’s under pressure as LeBron pushes through the physical challenges and the Lakers fight for positioning. Can they avoid the grip and play-in tournament? Or do some missteps send them by rolling rankings?
Your daily sports action starts at danredsports.com.
