LeBron, Rondo spark Lakers to 112-102 victory over Rockets

LeBron James scored 36 points, Rajon Rondo sparked a fourth-quarter rally and Los Angeles Lakers beat Houston Rockets 112-102 on Tuesday night to take a 2-1 lead in ir Western Conference playoff series.

James earned his NBA-record 162nd playoff victory, surpassing former Lakers guard Derek Fisher's 161.

Rondo had 21 points and nine assists as Lakers broke open a close game in final period. He scored eight straight points during a 10-0 run early in fourth quarter that put Lakers ahead for good. Rondo assisted on or basket during that stretch.

Anthony Davis had 26 points and Kyle Kuzma added 14. James Harden scored 33 points and Russell Westbrook had 30 for Rockets.

Rondo assisted on a layup by James that put Lakers ahead with about 10 minutes remaining. Rondo n hit a 3-pointer to give Lakers an 89-85 advant, ir largest lead to that point.

After a Houston timeout, Westbrook missed a shot and Rondo sank ar 3. Rondo n stole ball from Harden and made a layup to cap 10-0 run.

LA controlled final period for second straight game. Lakers blew a 21-point lead in Game 2 but outscored Houston by 10 in fourth quarter to win 117-109.

TIP-INS

Lakers: C JaVale McGee returned to action but G Dion Waiters was unavailable after both players were hurt in Game 2. Coach Frank Vogel said Waiters is day to day with a strained groin.

Rockets: Danuel House missed game for what coach Mike D’Antoni said were personal reasons unrelated to COVID-19. House had scored 13 points off bench in Game 2. ... This marked fourth time in D'Antoni's tenure that Houston split first two games of a playoff series. In previous three instances, Game 3 victor went on to win series.

UP NEXT

Game 4 is Thursday.

Im credits: AP