Lakers lock up Western Conference 3+ Division Championship +50 wins! James 14+8 Doncic 39+8+7 to beat the Rockets

On April 12, Beijing time, the 2024-25 NBA regular season is underway, and the Lakers defeated the seven-man Rockets 140-109 at home. After this game, the Lakers improved their record to 50-31, won the 50th win of the season, and locked up the Pacific Division championship and third place in the West.

Statistics

Lakers: James contributed 14 points, 4 rebounds and 8 assists in the third quarter, Doncic scored 39 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists in the third quarter, Hachimura 16 points, Reaves 23 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists, Finney Smith 18 points, Bronny 3 points, 1 rebound and 1 assist

Rockets: Cawhitmore 34 points and eight rebounds, Shepard 14 points

Background

The Lakers defeated the Mavericks 112-97 in their last game to officially lock up the playoffs, and are currently in third place in the West with a 49-31 record, one win ahead of the Nuggets and Clippers behind them. The Lakers have two games left in the regular season, and if they can beat the Rockets today, they can lock up the third place in the West and the Pacific Division title.

The Rockets are locked in second place in the West with a 52-28 record, and the team is currently in the recuperation stage. Against the Lakers today, a total of 7 players from the team, including Shin Jing (personal reasons), VanVleet (right ankle soreness), Dillon Brooks (rotation), Jabari Smith Jr. (left groin soreness), Eason (injury management), Amen Thompson (rotation), and Tate (right ankle soreness), will miss the game.

Game recap

After the opening, James completed a one-arm empty dunk with Doncic's assistance, and then hit a 3-pointer from the outside. The Rockets, who were resting in a large area, did not show weakness, and fired inside and outside to rewrite the score to 20-14. At the critical moment, Doncic scored 13 points in a row, and Reaves and Finney Smith also made contributions one after another, and the Lakers led the Rockets 38-32 at the end of the first quarter. In addition, the Lakers shot 60.9% (14-of-23) from the field and 54.5% (6-of-11) from three-point range in the first quarter. In the second quarter, the Lakers' offense continued unabated, and after a wave of 10-3 small climaxes, they extended their advantage to 13 points. Holiday hit two three-pointers to help the Rockets stabilize their morale, but James and Doncic immediately led the team to respond with a 17-3 comeback surge, and the Lakers led 65-44. The Rockets then performed as well, but they still couldn't stop the Lakers from moving forward. At halftime, the Lakers led the Rockets 78-56.

In the second half, the Rockets, who were behind by a large score, did not give up, and the inside and outside teamed up to chase the score to 75-89 at one point. At 7 minutes and 27 seconds, James went off the court with ice due to groin discomfort. At the critical moment, Doncic stepped up again and scored 13 points alone to help the Lakers stabilize their morale. At the end of the third quarter, the Lakers led the Rockets 107-87. In the final quarter, with James and Doncic resting, Reaves and Hachimura carried the team's offensive banner and defended the Lakers' victory. It is worth mentioning that with 4 minutes and 23 seconds left in the game, Bronny came on the court and hit a 3-pointer with the help of his teammates.

Both sides start

Lakers: LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Hachimura, Austin Reaves, Jaxson Hayes

Rockets: Jalen Green, Cam Whitmore, Jock Landale, Jeff Green, Reed Shepard