Luka Doncic poured in 36 points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 100–92 win over the Houston Rockets on Monday night, opening a key two-game set between Western Conference contenders.
The victory — Los Angeles’ sixth straight — pushed the Lakers 1.5 games ahead of Houston for third place in the West. The matchup carried a playoff-like intensity throughout, featuring 13 lead changes before the Lakers took control late.
LeBron James helped seal it down the stretch, finishing with 18 points, five rebounds and five assists, including a clutch pass to Marcus Smart for a corner 3-pointer that gave Los Angeles a 94–90 lead with two minutes remaining.
Doncic swung the momentum earlier, knocking down back-to-back 3-pointers late in the third quarter to put the Lakers ahead 83–80 after trailing 57–51 at halftime. He shot 14-for-27 from the field and extended his streak to six straight games with at least 30 points.
Houston was led by Jabari Smith Jr. with 22 points, while Amen Thompson added 19 and Kevin Durant finished with 18. The Rockets struggled with ball security, committing 24 turnovers compared to just 12 for Los Angeles, and played without Alperen Sengun, who sat out with lower back pain.
Up next: The Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets meet again in Houston on Wednesday.
