Image Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Lakers Hang On for Narrow Win To Delay Rockets’ Playoff Fate

Lakers ended their two-game home skid.

Image Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers (46-29) defeated the Houston Rockets (49-27) 104-98 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles during a game in the 2024-25 NBA season. The Rockets were aiming to seal the playoff spot with a win, but the home team took advantage of a lead created by timely three-pointers to control the pace and secure the win.

Dorian Finney-Smith and Gabe Vincent led the Lakers, each hitting six three-pointers. The forward finished with his best performance for the California franchise, posting 20 points, six rebounds, two steals, and three blocks. Vincent added 20 points, four rebounds, and one steal.

Luka Doncic joined the duo as one of the standout performers for the home team on offense, finishing with 20 points, nine assists, six rebounds, and two steals. LeBron James contributed 16 points, eight rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks, including a crucial block that sealed the victory for L.A. in the final quarter. Austin Reaves also contributed with 12 points, eight rebounds, and two steals.

For the Rockets, Amen Thompson stood out with 20 points and five rebounds. Dillon Brooks added 16 points and five rebounds, while Jabari Smith Jr. finished with a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds. Alperen Sengun posted 14 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, and Tari Eason contributed 13 points.

LEBRON WITH THE INCREDIBLE BLOCK TO HELP SEAL THE WIN ‼️ pic.twitter.com/jUogxghSXR
— NBA (@NBA) April 1, 2025

Lakers vs. Rockets: The Game

First Half

The game began slowly, with both teams scoring very little in the first period. The Lakers trailed initially but went on a 9-0 run to take the lead, 12-9, midway through the quarter. However, the Rockets ended the first quarter on a better note, finishing with a narrow 19-16 lead.

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The game picked up in the second quarter as Houston increased their offensive intensity and went up 29-21 after a 10-5 run in the opening minutes.
On the other side, the Lakers responded by improving their three-point shooting, with Luka Doncic and Gabe Vincent standing out. Los Angeles also played solid defense, which helped them level the playing field. The home team finished the second quarter with a 32-29 run, tying the game at 48-48 at halftime.

Second Half

The third quarter started evenly, with both teams slowing down. However, the Rockets were the first to regain their momentum and retook the lead with an 11-2 run, putting the score at 61-56.

The final quarter remained close but lost some intensity due to mistakes on both sides. The Rockets kept it close and, although they threatened a comeback, the Lakers managed to hold onto their lead until the end.

LeBron James sank two free throws with 11.1 seconds remaining, putting Los Angeles ahead 102-98. Alperen Sengun had a chance to cut the lead, but he was blocked by “King” James. Dillon Brooks had one last opportunity, but missed the three-pointer that could have kept Houston alive in the game, and Los Angeles secured the win.

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Standings and Upcoming Games

The Lakers secured their second consecutive win of the season. Currently in second place in the West, the team has reduced the gap to the Denver Nuggets (third place) to just one game. The Rockets, who played the second game of a back-to-back after defeating the Phoenix Suns on Sunday (30), are in second place in the conference and hold a 2.5-game lead over their California rivals.

Looking ahead, Los Angeles will remain at the Crypto.com Arena to face the Golden State Warriors on Thursday (3). Meanwhile, Houston will host the Utah Jazz at the Toyota Center on Wednesday (2).