Nightmare Christmas in Los Angeles

Problems of Lakers are far from solving with the third consecutive defeat, this time against Rocketswon big (119-96) in the Cripto.com Arena. Even worse, the Lakers lost Austin Reaves, and likely for a long time.

The Rockets imposed their physical game from the start, hitting the racket and multiplying the second chances. The Lakers are overwhelmed defensively, and Houston quickly leads by 12 points (22-10) with the great Amen Thompson. A good pass led by Luka Doncic and Reaves allows LA to get back to -5, but Houston immediately responds with a 7-0 run, restores a 14-point lead, and then leads by 12 points after one quarter (37-25).

Aware that his defense remains problematic, JJ Redick is trying to adjust with a top five that includes Marcus Smart and Jared Vanderbilt. The deficit returns to -8, without the Lakers being able to do better, due to too many missed opportunities. Kevin Durant’s return to the floor gives Houston some breathing space, but two 3-point shots by Doncic and Vanderbilt bring LA back to -4 (50-46). As is often the case this season, the end of the quarter was missing: 6-0 for the Rockets, and Houston returned to the locker room with a 10-point lead (63-53).

Austin Reeves returns to the infirmary

On the restart, we learn that Reeves is officially out with his calf. Smart takes his place in the top five. Houston hits hard from the start with the winning shots of Durant and Jabari Smith Jr. and increases the lead to 17 points (73-56). Despite the two challenges that Redick received, the Lakers made a series of mistakes, and the deficit increased to 21 points. Paradoxically, Los Angeles shoots more than 50%, but is crushed in possession: 12 turnovers and 11 offensive rebounds, which gives the Rockets 13 more shots.

A small start put the Lakers back to -16, quickly killed by an and-one from Reid Shepard. LeBron James attacks the circle relentlessly, but the absence of a “stop” prevents any comeback. After LeBron’s dunk, Durant hits a 3-pointer, then finds Thompson for the alley-oop: the lead goes back over 20 points. A final 7-0 Lakers run restores faint hope, which was quickly swept by Houston with a 7-0 run, capped by a layup on a counterattack by Terry Eason. At 111-89 with three minutes left, Redick empties his bench and the Rockets win by 23 points in Los Angeles.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

Reaves relapse. The shin injury is the NBA’s ailment of the year, and Austin Reaves again experienced discomfort in his left shin, and the franchise announced he will have an MRI. He scored 12 points before his release.

“Historical” duel. LeBron James and Kevin Durant have more than 73,600 points between them, and never before in the history of the NBA has a meeting opposed two such prolific players. Even if Houston controlled the entire meeting, this duel kept its promises.

Rebounds. The Rockets almost took twice as many rebounds as the Lakers! With 48 caught to 25, Alperen Sengun and his partners largely dominated under the boards. 23 points difference leading to victory by… 23 point difference.

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Difference of points when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.