Luka Doncic and LeBron Power Lakers Past Rockets

Merlin sees a clever role change paying off for the Lakers. After JJ Redick called it "the best thing for our team" to have LeBron James as the "third-highest-used player," Los Angeles rode that setup to a 124-116 win in Houston. Luka Dončić finished with 40 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds, while LeBron, 41, scored 30 on 13-of-14 shooting as the Lakers improved to 44-25 and stretched the streak to seven wins. Merlin notes the balance feels different. Dončić’s creation plus LeBron’s efficiency gives L.A. late-game versatility few teams can match, and Deandre Ayton’s interior presence steadies the rotation. The Rockets showed bursts but lacked a closer, and Miami will be a real check of whether this new hierarchy can carry through the grind.