The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a crushing loss against the Houston Rockets, 135-119. Following a thrilling double overtime victory over the Golden State Warriors to begin their six-game road trip, the Lakers appeared devoid of enthusiasm versus the Rockets.
The loss to the Rockets highlighted the Lakers’ troubles, and the weak effort on the floor garnered criticism from fans who expected a more competitive performance.
One fan was relieved that the game was ended.
Finally over
Lakers lose 135-119 pic.twitter.com/2PmCyJ6WeQ
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) January 30, 2024
A second fan stated that they should look into Austin Reaves’ demise.
Finally over
Lakers lose 135-119 pic.twitter.com/2PmCyJ6WeQ
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) January 30, 2024
A third fan chimed in, stating the Lakers should dismiss Darvin Ham.
Finally over
Lakers lose 135-119 pic.twitter.com/2PmCyJ6WeQ
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) January 30, 2024
A fourth fan chimed in, adding that now is the time to trade Austin Reaves.
Finally over
Lakers lose 135-119 pic.twitter.com/2PmCyJ6WeQ
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) January 30, 2024
A fifth fan claimed that the Rockets simply despise the Lakers.
Jalen Green tonight:
34 PTS – 12 REB – 7 AST – 52% FGAlperen Sengun tonight:
31 PTS – 12 REB – 7 AST – 58% FG pic.twitter.com/yGyRAYIfWd— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) January 30, 2024
D’Angelo Russell started the game on fire, nailing jumpers and keeping the Lakers in contention. However, the Rockets swiftly grabbed charge, as Anthony Davis’ 7-0 run briefly reduced the deficit. The Lakers struggled defensively, enabling Houston to score at whim, and the deficit grew to as many as 30 points.
Jarred Vanderbilt’s dismissal from the game for assaulting Dillon Brooks severely harmed the Lakers’ chances. Despite efforts by LeBron James and Anthony Davis to stage a comeback, the lack of energy and defensive breakdowns proved insurmountable. The Lakers trailed 78-60 at halftime.
The Lakers struggled to get going in the third quarter, allowing the Rockets to expand their lead to 30 points. Despite attempts to rally in the fourth quarter, the Rockets maintained control and won convincingly.
LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and D’Angelo Russell contributed individually, but the team’s overall lack of energy and grit prompted concerns. James finished with 23 points and 10 rebounds, while Davis and Russell both had 23 points.
Fans reacted negatively to the setback, with many expressing dissatisfaction in the Lakers’ performance. The fatigue from the previous double overtime game against the Warriors was palpable, and worries grew about the team’s ability to recover in a back-to-back series against the Atlanta Hawks.
The Rockets, spearheaded by youthful players Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun, put on a spectacular performance, leaving the Lakers unable to halt their scoring surge. Cam Whitmore, Jabari Smith Jr., and Dillon Brooks all contributed heavily to the Rockets’ victory, demonstrating the team’s depth.
As the Lakers faced a rapid turnaround with a game against the Atlanta Hawks the next day, questions arose regarding their ability to recoup and compete at a high level, particularly against strong opponents like the Boston Celtics on the next schedule.
The Lakers Have 9 Days Left to Get Help.
As the NBA trade deadline approaches on February 8th, the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in a precarious position with a 24-24 record, putting them in ninth place. Throughout the season, the Lakers have shown ordinary performance, as evidenced by their record, emphasizing the importance of strategic actions in the coming days.
Despite frequent reports tying the Lakers to several prominent players in recent weeks, the organization has yet to make any significant transactions. With the clock ticking, the Lakers are running out of time to solve their most pressing problems, particularly in shooting and defense.
The glaring flaws in both offensive and defensive components have been obvious for some time, and resolving these concerns is critical for the Lakers to improve their performance. Lakers fans and basketball analysts alike are eagerly expecting prospective roster moves that might give the team the push it needs to clinch a better position in the difficult Western Conference.
The next nine days leading up to the trade deadline will be critical for the Lakers front office as they make strategic decisions that will influence the team’s destiny for the rest of the season. The pressure is on to obtain the correct acquisitions and strengthen the roster in pursuit of a better second half of the season.
