Kevin Durant Takes Blame as Rockets Fall to Lakers

Kevin Durant owned Monday's 100-92 home loss to the Lakers, saying "I just felt like I lost the game for us tonight." He finished with 18 points, only two in the second half, and a team-high seven turnovers as Houston committed 22 total. With Alperen Şengün out, the offensive burden fell to Durant while L.A. forced turnovers, got 36 from Luka Dončić, and pushed its win streak to six, opening a 1.5-game edge in the West. Merlin sees a seasoned scorer doing what leaders do and naming the fault lines. Durant's vow to "be smarter, better with the ball" points to more off-ball movement and catch-and-shoot work rather than iso nights. If Houston trims turnovers and finds secondary scoring, the Rockets can reset quickly.