The Los Angeles Lakers faced a devastating blow as they were hammered by the Houston Rockets, resulting in a 135-119 loss. Coming off a thrilling double overtime win against the Golden State Warriors to kick off their six-game road trip, and the Lakers seemed drained of energy against the Rockets.
The loss against the Rockets emphasized the Lakers‘ struggles, and the lackluster effort on the court drew criticism from fans who had hoped for a more competitive showing.
One fan was so glad that the game was over.
Thank god it ended 🥳
— Mamba (@quebecmamba) January 30, 2024
A second fan added in saying they need to study the downfall of Austin Reaves.
https://twitter.com/RepeatedWs/status/1752170831789060310
A third fan added in saying the Lakers need to fire Darvin Ham.
We need to fire Darwin ham
— 🇳🇱 (@Swuhzyy) January 30, 2024
A fourth fan chipped in saying that it’s the right time to trade Austin Reaves.
Time to admit it. Trading Reaves is the right move
— Ball knower (@Jonnyla_77) January 30, 2024
A fifth fan said that the Rockets just hate the Lakers.
They hate the lakers🤷🏾♂️😭
— 2025-2026 (0-0) 💍💍 (@HTOWNFORLIFE2) January 30, 2024
The game began with D’Angelo Russell displaying a hot hand, hitting jumpers, and keeping the Lakers in contention. However, the Rockets quickly took control, and a 7-0 run by Anthony Davis briefly narrowed the gap. The Lakers struggled defensively, allowing Houston to score almost at will, and the deficit widened to as much as 30 points.
Jarred Vanderbilt’s ejection from the game for confronting Dillon Brooks further dented the Lakers’ chances. Despite efforts from LeBron James and Anthony Davis to mount a comeback, the lack of energy and defensive lapses proved insurmountable. The Lakers found themselves trailing 78-60 at halftime.
The third quarter witnessed a sluggish start from the Lakers, allowing the Rockets to extend their lead to 30 points. Despite attempts to rally in the fourth quarter, the Rockets maintained control, securing a convincing victory.
LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and D’Angelo Russell made individual efforts, but the team’s overall lack of energy and hustle raised concerns. James finished with 23 points and 10 rebounds, while Davis and Russell finished with 23 points each.
The defeat prompted criticism from fans, with many expressing disappointment in the Lakers’ performance. The exhaustion from the previous double overtime game against the Warriors seemed evident, and questions arose about the team’s ability to bounce back in a back-to-back set against the Atlanta Hawks.
The Rockets, led by young stars Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun, showcased an impressive performance, leaving the Lakers struggling to contain their scoring outburst. Cam Whitmore, Jabari Smith Jr., and Dillon Brooks contributed significantly to the Rockets’ win, highlighting the team’s depth.
As the Lakers faced a quick turnaround with a game against the Atlanta Hawks the next day, concerns mounted about their ability to regroup and compete at a high level, especially against formidable opponents like the Boston Celtics in the upcoming schedule.
The Lakers Have 9 Days Left To Get Help
As the NBA trade deadline looms on February 8th, the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves at a critical juncture with a 24-24 record, placing them in the 9th spot. Throughout the season, the Lakers have showcased an average performance, reflected in their record, highlighting the urgency for strategic moves in the coming days.
Despite persistent rumors linking the Lakers to various star players in recent weeks, the team has yet to finalize any impactful trades. With the clock ticking, the Lakers are running out of time to address their pressing needs, particularly in the areas of shooting and defense.
The glaring deficiencies in both offensive and defensive aspects have been evident for a considerable time, and addressing these issues becomes paramount for the Lakers to elevate their performance. Lakers fans and basketball analysts alike are anxiously awaiting potential roster changes that could provide the team with the necessary boost to secure a more favorable position in the competitive Western Conference.
The next nine days leading up to the trade deadline will be crucial for the Lakers front office to make strategic decisions that could shape the team’s trajectory for the remainder of the season. The pressure is on to secure the right acquisitions and reinforce the roster in pursuit of a stronger second half of the season.
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