HOUSTON — It wasn't the prettiest game.
And both teams seemingly showed the effects of a late start.
But at this point of the season, winning is what matters most, and that's exactly what the Lakers did in their 100-92 victory over the Rockets at Toyota Center.
Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 36 points, six rebounds, four assists and a pair of steals.
Los Angeles Lakers' Luka Doncic shoots as Houston Rockets' Amen Thompson defends. AP
LeBron James had 18 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals. Marcus Smart finished with 11 points, shooting 3-of-7 on 3-pointers.
Austin Reaves struggled with his shot (5 of 18) but finished with 15 points, five assists and four steals.
The Lakers improved to 43-25 on the season, not only maintaining their No. 3 spot in the Western Conference standings, but giving themselves a cushion.
They also pulled off their fourth straight win over a team with a .600-or-better winning percentage.
Houston Rockets' Kevin Durant is defended by Los Angeles Lakers' Marcus Smart. AP
When Tari Eason was called for goaltending on Deandre Ayton with 3:16 left in the game.
The score not only put the Lakers up 89-88, but it was technically their first made basket in eight minutes of game action.
The Lakers closed out the game on a 13-4 run.
Doncic had his sixth game scoring at least 30 points.
Luka Doncic shined once again. NBAE via Getty Images
That's how many offensive reboudnds the Rockets grabbed.
The Rockets scored 23 second-chance points off of those extra opportunities, their biggest advantage over the Lakers, who scored 11 second-chance points.
But the Lakers scored seven more points from the three throw line.
The Lakers will play the Rockets again on Wednesday at Toyota Center for the second matchup of their six-game trip.
