Another game, another disappointing and inexcusable loss for the Los Angeles Lakers. This time, it happened against a team that seemed eminently beatable. The Houston Rockets came into the contest 3-3, which was barely a better record than the Lakers’ 3-4 mark.
The Lakers endured yet another bad start on Wednesday. They trailed, 32-19, at the end of the first quarter: They couldn’t throw a penny into the Gulf of Mexico. In that first period, they shot 36.8% from the field and 1-of-6 from 3-point range. Their ice-cold marksmanship even froze the free-throw line, where they were 4-of-10. At the end of the period, Rui Hachimura was fouled on a halfcourt heave, yet made only one of the three ensuing foul shots.
Los Angeles was down 66-45 at the half not only because its offense was poor, but also because it couldn’t get stops. Houston shot 56.1% and had 44 points in the paint, 12 second-chance points and 15 fast-break points in the first half at the Purple and Gold’s expense.
The situation grew even worse in the second half. The Lakers trailed by as many as 35 points, and they essentially waved the white flag to start the fourth quarter before losing 128-94.
Anthony Davis didn’t play because of a hip ailment, and Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent and Jaxson Hayes were also out. While they came into this contest short-handed, it was no excuse for their utter lack of effort and energy. Yet again, they were outrebounded, this time by an embarrassing 64-42 margin.
With a 3-5 record, they’re on the verge of letting the early season period get out of hand.