Lakers Dominate Rockets, Claim Sixth Straight Victory

Mo. Basuony

Published: March 18, 2026 6:48 AM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Houston Rockets 100-92 at the Toyota Center on Monday. The win extended their streak to a sixth straight victory.

Game recap

The Lakers rallied despite a brutal stretch in the fourth quarter. They missed 14 consecutive shots but relied on defense to stay ahead.

Los Angeles scored 17 points in the fourth while holding Houston to 12. The defensive stand closed out a physical road victory.

Deandre Ayton returned late and delivered crucial baskets in the final five minutes.
The Rockets converted six offensive rebounds in the second quarter into 13 points.
Lakers defenders frequently doubled Kevin Durant, forcing turnovers and limiting his impact.

Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 36 points. He also added six rebounds and four assists.

LeBron James scored 18 points. Austin Reaves contributed 15 points off the bench.

Deandre Ayton finished with seven points and 11 rebounds. Marcus Smart hit a timely three and scored 11 points.

Kevin Durant finished with 18 points on eight of 16 shooting. He committed seven turnovers.

The Rockets forced a physical contest and led 58-51 at halftime. Houston controlled the boards in the second quarter.

The Lakers shot just 32 percent from the field in the second quarter and 13 percent from three, going 1-for-8.

After trailing by as many as 10 in the third, Los Angeles seized an 83-80 lead entering the fourth. Ayton’s late scoring preserved the advantage.

He scored on a tip and grabbed offensive rebounds that turned into points in the final 90 seconds. Those plays proved decisive.

Coach JJ Redick referenced the teams’ December meeting, saying he wanted a different outcome this time. The Lakers matched Houston’s physicality.

Backup center Maxi Kleber did not play. He is recovering from a lumbar back strain and has been shut down for several days.

The victory moved the Lakers to 43-25. The Rockets fell to 41-26.

Los Angeles holds a 1½-game edge over Houston heading into the teams’ rematch on Wednesday. The club aims to sustain its defensive form.

Coverage by Filmogaz.com. The Lakers dominated the Rockets and secured a sixth straight win through defense and timely execution.