It took an extra period, but the Lakers did clamp down on defense down the stretch, an aspect of their game that has been lacking of late.
In addition to the late defensive-stand, the Lakers needed every bit of the three double-doubles they got as they gutted out a 114-106 overtime victory over the Rockets Tuesday at Staples Center.
The Lakers (34-15) snapped a two-game losing streak and quelled the critics for one more night until they face the San Antonio Spurs, who have the best record in the league at 40-8, on Thursday. The Lakers have struggled against the elite teams, posting a 1-5 record this season. "This [game] was important," said Lakers center Pau Gasol, who had 26 points, 16 rebounds and four blocked shots. "Now it's going to be next game [against the Spurs]. It's going to be crucial. We must focus. We must get this win."
In the victory, Kobe Bryant led the Lakers with game-high 32 points on 13-for-25 shooting and a game-high 11 assists. Lamar Odom also had a monster game with 20 points and 20 rebounds.
For the Rockets (22-28), Kevin Martin scored 30 points and Luis Scola tallied 24 points and snagged 15 rebounds
Elsewhere, The Blazers made it five straight at home over Spurs behind a monster performance from LaMarcus Aldridge, while Boston had the better of Sacramento, ending its road trip with an 8th consecutive victory.