Houston Rockets Vs Los Angeles Lakers, NBA 2026: Doncic Leads Lakers To 100-92 Win

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets 100-92 in the opener of their Western Conference playoff showdown, led by Luka Doncic’s 36 points and clutch back-to-back 3-pointers in the third quarter that turned a halftime deficit into an 83-80 lead. LeBron James contributed 18 points, five rebounds, and five assists, including a corner 3 to seal the win in the final minutes. Despite 13 lead changes and strong efforts from Jabari Smith Jr. (22 points), Amen Thompson (19), and Kevin Durant (18), Houston’s 24 turnovers and the absence of Alperen Sengun proved costly, as the Lakers extended their winning streak to six and moved 1½ games ahead in the West standings.

Updated on: 17 March 2026 4:50 pm

Published at: 17 March 2026 4:50 pm

Houston Rockets Vs Los Angeles Lakers NBA basketball-Luka Doncic

Houston Rockets' Tari Eason (17) knocks the ball away from Los Angeles Lakers' Luka Doncic during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Houston. | Photo: AP/David J. Phillip

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Houston Rockets Vs Los Angeles Lakers NBA basketball-Jabari Smith Jr

Houston Rockets' Jabari Smith Jr. (10) passes the ball as Los Angeles Lakers' Luka Doncic (77) defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Houston. | Photo: AP/David J. Phillip

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Houston Rockets Vs Los Angeles Lakers NBA basketball-Kevin Durant

Houston Rockets' Kevin Durant, center shoots as Los Angeles Lakers' Luka Doncic (77) and Deandre Ayton (5) defend during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Houston. | Photo: AP/David J. Phillip

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Houston Rockets Vs Los Angeles Lakers NBA basketball-Tari Eason

Houston Rockets' Tari Eason (17) goes up for a shot as Los Angeles Lakers' Deandre Ayton (5) defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Houston. | Photo: AP/David J. Phillip

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Los Angeles Lakers' Luka Doncic (77) shoots as Houston Rockets' Amen Thompson (1) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Houston. | Photo: AP/David J. Phillip

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Houston Rockets' Kevin Durant (7) is defended by Los Angeles Lakers' Marcus Smart during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Houston. | Photo: AP/David J. Phillip

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Los Angeles Lakers' Luka Doncic (77) is guarded by Houston Rockets' Amen Thompson (1) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Houston. | Photo: AP/David J. Phillip

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Los Angeles Lakers' Luka Doncic (77) drives toward the basket as Houston Rockets' Josh Okogie (20) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Houston. | Photo: AP/David J. Phillip

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Houston Rockets' Tari Eason, right, falls while guarding Los Angeles Lakers' Luka Doncic during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Houston. | Photo: AP/David J. Phillip

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Los Angeles Lakers' Luka Doncic (77) shoots as Houston Rockets' Jabari Smith Jr. (10) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Houston. | Photo: AP/David J. Phillip