Tip-off is at 9:30 PM ET on NBCSN and Peacock.

Luka Doncic scored 36 points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 100-92 win over the Houston Rockets on Monday night in the opener of a two-game series between teams fighting for Western Conference playoff position.

The Lakers were led by LeBron James, and continued to score easily. Houston struggled to keep up with the Lakers as they made a few early mistakes on the defensive and offensive ends, as the Lakers shot 60% for the quarter.

On Monday night, the Los Angeles Lakers played the Houston Rockets in Texas.The Lakers won by a score of 100-92.Luka Doncic finished with 36 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals while shooting 14/27 from the field and 4/12 from three-point range in 40 minutes of playing time.

Luka Doncic had 40 points and LeBron James added 30 as the Los Angeles Lakers extended their winning streak to seven games with a 124-116 win over the Houston Rockets.

With a key player likely back in the fold for the Rockets, we expect a Houston win, but this game could be closer than many expect.

A video of the Los Angeles Lakers' bench compared to the Houston Rockets' in clutch time surfaced on social media.

Getty LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 01: Maxi Kleber #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers makes a slam dunk against the Sacramento Kings in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on March 01, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

The Houston Rockets found themselves in a late battle against the Los Angeles Lakers after getting back into the game but fell once again at home.

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