Lakers vs Rockets: Three things to know
By Keith Rivas
Too many careless turnovers
Overall, the Lakers had 28 turnovers in their blowout loss in Houston. The Rockets turned it over 20 times for comparison, but it was the early mistakes that really doomed Los Angeles.
Without D’Angelo Russell, this team hasn’t been itself on a nightly basis. Injuries to Nick Young, Jose Caulderon, and Tarik Black don’t help that, either.
Russell could be back in action as soon as Friday, and they’re going to need every bit of him to be healthy, vibrant, and productive.
Houston out-rebounding the Lakers by 13, and shot 15% better from the field and 16% better from beyond the arc.
The Rockets 39-point win over the Lakers is the largest by either team in the 211-game history of the series
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) December 8, 2016
With the win, the Rockets exacted revenge after losing on opening night in Los Angeles.
Whether the team will continue to have a healthy point guard in Russell and a healthy flow on offense or not, the turnovers are flat out unacceptable.
You can’t turn the ball over almost 30 times in a game and expect to win, let alone lose a close one.
It’s proven to be the consistent flaw of this young core, but the good news for them is that there’s both room and time to grow.
They just have to stay hungry.