Lakers struggle defensively in OT loss to Rockets.
The Lakers' woes continued in tonight’s overtime loss to the Rockets, surrendering 19 points in extra time to fall to Houston 117–110, dropping their season record back to eight games under .500 at 28–37.
Despite another disappointing loss (many this season), the Lakers remain in the 9th seed, which would put them in the play-in spot for a chance to make the playoffs. They would play the New Orlean Pelicans, who are currently 1.5 games behind them in the 10th spot.
Despite finishing tonight’s loss with a triple-double of 23 points, 14 rebounds, and 12 assists, LeBron James struggled to stay consistent from the floor in his return to the lineup, shooting 35% overall from the floor, making just 9 shots on 26 attempts in 45 minutes played tonight.
After the Loss, LeBron spoke on the Lakers' struggles this season, explaining: “We have a very small margin of error this year, and teams are making us pay.”
In tonight’s overtime loss, Russell Westbrook became the 33rd player in NBA history to score 23,000 career points, surpassing it on his first field goal. Westbrook was the Lakers' leading scorer, finishing with 30 points on 50% shooting, adding 8 rebounds and 6 assists in 39 minutes of action.
Westbrook spoke on tonight’s loss in overtime to the Rockets, saying: “They’re going to compete. They’re playing the Lakers… Regardless of any team’s record in this league, you can be beat on any night.”
Malik Monk was the Lakers 3rd highest scorer, finishing with 20 points on 61% (8-for-13) shooting, adding 6 rebounds and a couple of steals in 39 minutes of action.
The Lakers’ next matchup comes back at the Crypt this Friday night against the Washington Wizards, who will welcome former Laker Kyle Kuzma back at home in Los Angeles for the first time in another uniform.