Here is what you need to know before the Lakers’ final game of their two-week road trip, against the Houston Rockets.
1) D’Angelo Russell has been rolling lately, setting a career-high in scoring in back-to-back contests. Over his last seven games, the rookie is averaging 15.6 points and 2.1 3-pointers, compared to 10.4 points and 1.3 3’s in his first 16 appearances.
D’Angelo Russell finished with another career-high in points, scoring 24 in tonights game. https://t.co/YMiAb8TUIq
2) Russell is likely to start for the second straight game with Jordan Clarkson listed as doubtful due to a sprained ankle. Clarkson has arguably been the Lakers’ steadiest player, averaging 15.2 points on 47.0 percent shooting.
3) With this game, Kobe Bryant will pass Ray Allen (1,300) for the 15th-most games played in NBA history. Bryant beat Allen in 23 of 37 regular-season meetings, but each player bested the other for a championship during the NBA Finals duels between the Lakers and Celtics in 2008 and 2010.
6) Dwight Howard ranks third in rebounding (12.2), including second on the offensive glass (3.9). But his scoreboard production has been significantly down, as he is averaging his fewest points (12.7) since his rookie year and provided only four points against Washington in Houston’s last game on Wednesday.
7) The Rockets love setting up Trevor Ariza for outside shots. The former Laker ranks second in the league in spot-up scoring (5.7), next to Kawhi Leonard (5.9).
8) Houston has scored 100-plus points in eight straight games, but the other side of the ball has been a struggle this year. The Rockets allow the highest opponent field goal percentage (47.0) and third-most points per game (107.2).
9) In particular, the Rockets have been vulnerable down low. They surrender the most points in the NBA both in the paint (47.4) and on second chances (15.5).
10) For all of Houston’s defensive issues, it has been excellent at creating mistakes. The Rockets’ 10.3 steals per game are second in the league, but would still be the most since the 2002-03 Philadelphia 76ers matched that average.
