Rockets erupt in overtime to get past Lakers, 139-130

The Lakers have caught plenty of flack for their underwhelming performance already this year, but their performance Wednesday night likely will only levy more criticism.

Los Angeles lost the Houston 139-130 in overtime after being outscored 19-10 in the extra period and allowing a 10-0 run to begin OT. The Rockets were 2-17 in their previous 19 games beforehand.

It was a hot start to the game, as the Lakers went up 38-32 after a raucous first quarter. The Rockets bounced back in the second frame, however, going into overtime leading 68-63.

The Lakers commanded the third, but the Rockets clawed their way back into the game to make it close down the stretch. They took a 120-118 lead on a Jalen Green jumper with just over two minutes to play, but Russell Westbrook tied it up a minute later with a jumper of his own.

After a few missed shots and a coach's challenge, the Lakers had possession with 13.7 seconds left in the game. Westbrook inbounded to LeBron James, who struggled to get separation with Eric Gordon guarding him. James drove to the lane and passed out to Carmelo Anthony, who had an open look from the wing but couldn't get the potential game-winner to go at the buzzer.

In overtime, the Los Angeles never had a chance. Green, Houston's rookie sensation and just one of three regular starters in the lineup, scored seven points in the first 1:14 of overtime action and Gordon chipped in a three to put the Rockets up by 10 less than halfway through the frame. The Lakers wouldn't get within less than eight points in all of OT as the Rockets pulled out the clutch win in front of their home crowd.

Green led all scorers with 32 points while fellow rookie Alperen Sengun had 21 points and 14 rebounds. Martin had 17 points and 11 boards while Josh Christopher logged 21 points in 22 minutes off the bench.

James finished with a triple double, racking up 23 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists. Westbrook added 30 points, eight rebounds and six assists while Malik Monk logged 20 points.

With the loss, the Lakers now sit at 28-37 and remain at ninth place in the Western Conference. The Rockets improve to 17-49, good for last in the West and 0.5 games back of the Magic for the worst record in the entire NBA.