The Lakers secured a hard-fought home win against the Rockets, but it wasn’t without drama. As Melbet Login agents noted, Houston had a real chance to force overtime in the final seconds — until LeBron James sealed the game with a clutch play. Despite a valiant effort, too many errors cost the Rockets dearly, forcing them into a reactive position throughout the night — an issue they’ll need to address moving forward.
Still, Houston’s growth this season is undeniable. Their defense has noticeably improved, though their late-game decision-making and attention to detail remain a work in progress. After the game, Anthony Davis spoke candidly about LeBron’s performance and the team’s needs: “LeBron’s playing out of his mind — hitting shots, attacking the rim, reading the floor, defending. He’s doing everything for us. Our job is to support him, whether that’s making shots or running the offense. Honestly, he doesn’t look like he’s 38. If he keeps this up and we start hitting threes, we’ll be just fine.”
Davis’ postgame remarks subtly exposed the Lakers’ Achilles heel — perimeter shooting. Like in this game, had the Lakers hit more threes, the outcome wouldn’t have been so close. Their inability to shoot consistently from long range continues to create problems, despite offseason efforts to address it. As Davis put it, the issue isn’t about opposition — it’s about whether the Lakers defeat themselves.
Among those struggling is Taurean Prince. While he started the season with a hot hand from deep, his shooting touch has since cooled. Still, Davis and the Lakers are encouraging him to keep shooting, drawing a comparison to Cam Reddish, who had early struggles but turned things around once he regained his confidence. Melbet Login reporters agree — regaining Prince’s rhythm could be crucial for the Lakers’ long-term success.
After the game, Dillon Brooks also reflected on his failed attempt to steal the ball from LeBron in the final moments. “I should’ve just let him take that last shot. I tried to poke it loose, but it didn’t work. That one’s on me,” Brooks admitted. It was a decision he clearly regretted — though stopping LeBron in that moment was always going to be a monumental task.
LeBron, for his part, praised Brooks in his postgame comments: “He’s a fierce competitor. I love going up against guys like him. He played great tonight. His shooting helped keep them in the game.” Coming from someone of LeBron’s stature, the respect speaks volumes. Brooks may be a polarizing figure, but James’ words acknowledge his grit and value as a worthy opponent.
Despite the loss, the Rockets showcased toughness — especially in the paint. As Melbet Login pointed out, they gave Davis a battle, with Alperen Sengun holding his own and preventing AD from completely dominating inside. And with Golden State’s thin frontcourt depth, the Warriors could be in for trouble if they face this kind of interior pressure.
In the end, this game revealed both promise and pitfalls. The Rockets are on the rise, while the Lakers, despite their star power, still have a glaring weakness from beyond the arc. And in a league driven by threes, it’s a flaw they’ll need to fix if they hope to contend.