LOS ANGELES
Amen Thompson delivered a standout performance to lead the Houston Rockets to a commanding 119-96 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in their Christmas Day clash here at Crypto.com Arena.
Thompson scored 26 points, while also contributing seven rebounds and five assists, playing a pivotal role in the Rockets’ wire-to-wire triumph in this road contest. Kevin Durant was equally influential, finishing with 25 points, and Jabari Smith Jr. added 16 points.
Alperen Şengün notched a double-double, registering 14 points and 12 rebounds, and Tari Eason, alongside Reed Sheppard, each chipped in 13 points.
The Rockets’ offence was firing on all cylinders from the outset, shooting a highly efficient 62.5% from the field in the opening quarter, allowing them to take an early 37-25 lead. Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 25 points, but the team struggled across the board, especially in the rebounding battle, where they were outrebounded 48-25.
LeBron James contributed 18 points, but his efforts weren’t enough to prevent the Lakers from suffering their third consecutive defeat. Austin Reaves also scored 12 points before leaving the game with a left calf injury.
Houston maintained control from start to finish, extending their lead in the second half and never allowing the Lakers to mount a serious comeback.
With the win, the Rockets improved to 18-10 on the season, wrapping up their six-game road trip with a 2-4 record. The Lakers, on the other hand, have now lost six of their last ten games and are struggling to find form as they approach the New Year. The Houston Rockets will next face the Cleveland Cavaliers on December 28th.
