Lakers embarrassed by Rockets in disappointing loss.
HOUSTON — The Lakers lost momentum in a disappointing 114–110 loss to the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, dropping their season record to 34–36.
The Lakers were outscored 62–48 in the first half, playing catch-up throughout the game with Houston trading every basket with the Lakers, preventing them from closing the gap in the score. However, in the final minute of the game, the Lakers were able to climb back and narrow the final score to within four points, but it was all too late.
“We don’t have time to feel sorry for ourselves,” said head coach Darvin Ham. “We gotta go back and fill our cups up tomorrow and get ready to take advantage of a 5-game homestay.”
Ham explained that the Lakers' energy, effort, and urgency were “non-existent” at the start of the game, letting the Rockets dictate the energy and physicality.
After Tuesday’s win over the Pelicans, the Lakers knew they were going into Wednesday’s matchup without Anthony Davis due to a back-to-back schedule. According to Ham, the team’s doctors advised against playing Davis in two consecutive games due to a foot injury that he is currently dealing with.
Austin Reaves was the Lakers' leading scorer, finishing with 24 points on 1-of-7 shooting from three and 6-for-14 total, adding seven assists and four rebounds in 26 minutes off the bench.
It’s a back-to-back, there’s no excuse; everybody has those in the league,” said Reaves. “We, as players, gotta do better.”
D’Angelo Russell has trouble finding consistency from the floor, scoring 18 points on 17 shot attempts, going 3-for-11 from three, and adding seven assists in 33 minutes of action.
As a team, the Lakers shot 25% (11–for-44) from behind the arc and 37% (34–for-91) total from the floor.
The Lakers’ next matchup comes this Friday back home against the Dallas Mavericks at 7:30 p.m. on Spectrum SportsNet and NBA TV.
