Ageless LeBron James posterizes Jabari Smith Jr.

Los Angeles took the 13-11 lead during that transition sequence. Then engaged in a back-and-forth with the other aspiring Western Conference playoff contender.

LA led 41-38 near the seven-minute mark of the second quarter after that James poster dunk. But Kevin Durant managed to hand Houston the lead at 46-45 after getting two free throws in with under four minutes left.

How LeBron James, Lakers fared in first half

Monday’s matchup inside the Toyota Center presented a possible playoff preview.

Los Angeles sits as the third-best team out west behind the San Antonio Spurs (49-18) and Oklahoma City Thunder (53-15). But the Lakers entered the week of St. Patrick’s Day and March Madness riding a five-game winning streak.

Houston and Durant, meanwhile, trail behind the Lakers as the fourth-place team in the Western Conference. The Rockets entered with a 41-25 overall record and beating the New Orleans Pelicans 107-105 on Friday.

James became limited on the scoring side, though, despite the thunderous dunk. He scored just four points through 13 minutes. The four-time NBA champion dished out two assists and grabbed one rebound.

Luka Doncic handled the scoring load for the Lakers in delivering 23 first-half points with under 2:40 in the second. Houston took the 57-51 lead at halftime.