The Los Angeles Lakers came back from a 19-point deficit to defeat the Houston Rockets, 111-106, at Staples Center on Thursday evening.
The Rockets (33-25) seemed like a lock to start the second half of the season off with a win after they took a 19-point third quarter lead. LeBron James and the Lakers (29-29), however, rallied to come back and even their record at .500. The Lakers were able to turn the tide in the final minutes after a few big shots from James. Perhaps equally important, though, was the foul trouble experienced by Houston. Reigning MVP James Harden committed three offensive fouls in the fourth quarter to foul out, while fellow All-Star Chris Paul fouled out in the final minute of action as well. LA capitalized on its opportunities at the free-throw line, shooting 27-of-33.
LeBron led Los Angeles with 29 points. He added 11 rebounds to secure the double-double. Forward Brandon Ingram added another 27 points and 13 rebounds, while Kyle Kuzma put up 18 more to help put the team over the top.
For the Rockets, Harden led the way with 30 points, preserving his historic streak of 32 straight games with at least 30 points. Chris Paul, meanwhile, flirted with a triple-double, totaling 23 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists. In his return from a finger injury, big man Clint Capela notched 12 points and 11 rebounds.
On Saturday, the Lakers will travel to New Orleans while the Rockets will visit Golden State.
