NBA: Green, VanVleet Over Power LeBron In Rockets Victory

Jalen Green scored 33 points and Fred VanVleet grabbed a key steal late to allow the Houston Rockets to hold on for a 119-115 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night. Amen Thompson added 23 points and a career-high 16 rebounds in his return after a two-game suspension to help Houston eke out the victory after leading by as many as 22. A basket by LeBron James got the Lakers within 117-115 with eight seconds to go. Alperen Sengun missed 1 of 2 free throws after that to give Los Angeles a chance to tie it. But VanVleet stole the inbounds pass intended for James. VanVleet made 1 of 2 free throws to secure the victory.

Photo Webdesk

Updated on: 6 January 2025 8:06 pm

Basketball: Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Lakers

Basketball: Los Angeles Lakers vs Houston Rockets | Photo: AP/Ashley Landis

Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) reacts after making a 3-pointer during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers in Houston.

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Basketball: Los Angeles Lakers vs Houston Rockets

Basketball: Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Lakers | Photo: AP/Ashley Landis

Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) shoots against Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) and forward Dorian Finney-Smith (17) during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Houston.

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NBA Basketball: Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Lakers

NBA Basketball: Los Angeles Lakers vs Houston Rockets | Photo: AP/Ashley Landis

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts after a foul call during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets in Houston.

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NBA Basketball: Los Angeles Lakers vs Houston Rockets

NBA Basketball: Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Lakers | Photo: AP/Ashley Landis

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts after a foul call during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets in Houston.

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Los Angeles Lakers vs Houston Rockets | Photo: AP/Ashley Landis

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) defends against Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Houston.

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Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Lakers | Photo: AP/Ashley Landis

Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson (1) shoots against Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Houston.

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NBA Basketball Game: Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Lakers

NBA Basketball Game: Los Angeles Lakers vs Houston Rockets | Photo: AP/Ashley Landis

Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson (1) dunks during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers in Houston.

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NBA Basketball Game: Los Angeles Lakers vs Houston Rockets

NBA Basketball Game: Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Lakers | Photo: AP/Ashley Landis

Houston Rockets forward Cam Whitmore (7) shoots during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers in Houston.

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Lakers Rockets Basketball | Photo: AP/Ashley Landis

Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson (1) shoots against Los Angeles Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith (17) during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Houston.

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Rockets Lakers Basketball | Photo: AP/Ashley Landis

Los Angeles Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith (17) and forward LeBron James, right, defend against Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Houston.