The Los Angeles Lakers got it going early, taking as much as a 14 point lead in the 1st quarter. Unfortunately for the Lakers, they weren’t able to hold on, losing their lead in the 3rd quarter when they went on a terrible cold streak. The Houston Rockets led 96-88 after the 3rd quarter and never looked back.
Metta World Peace led the Lakers in scoring with 24 points. Kobe Bryant had a modest 20 points and added 7 assists. Steve Nash was aggressive early but was ineffective late in the game; he ended with 16 points and 10 assists.
The Houston Rockets got contributions from a collection of players, including likely All Star James Harden who scored a game high 31 points and handed out 9 assists. Carlos Delfino killed the Lakers off the bench with 19 points including 5 three pointers. Chandler Parsons had 20 points and Jeremy Lin pitched in 19 points for the Rockets.
The Lakers were without Pau Gasol, Dwight Howard and Jordan Hill who were all out with injuries. The Lakers are going to have to go at it again with their trio of big men when the face the San Antonio Spurs tomorrow in San Antonio.
– Fern Rea “@fullcourtfern”
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