Lakers pin down Rockets at Crypto.com Arena

Lakers won 140-132 against Rockets with Le Bron James leading the points chart with 48 points, 8 rebounds and 9 assists, nearly having a triple double.

Russell Westbrook scored 24 points for the Lakers, who once again struggled defensively but also set a team record with just two mistakes. The Lakers were unable to pull away from the opposition.

Houston was able to hold off James' brilliance in the 100th 40-point performance of his career, including the postseason. He was 9 for 9 from the charity stripe as he scored 20 points in the fourth quarter.

James recorded his 38,000th career point on Sunday night in a one-point loss to Philadelphia. Despite a bad left ankle that has bothered him for weeks, James played in back-to-back games with no ill effects.

After carrying the depleted Lakers for long stretches punctuated by fierce dunks and five 3-pointers, James hit a 17-foot jumper and four free throws in the final minute.

In his 20-year career, James reached the 40-point plateau 72 times during the regular season. Only Michael Jordan (who had 12 and James had 8) has more 40-point games in NBA history beyond age 35.