The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets, 140-132, at Crypto.com Arena on Monday night.

The Lakers (20-24) encountered a feisty Rockets (10-34) team right out of the gates, with Los Angeles only able to forge a narrow 37-35 lead through one. However, Los Angeles was able to expand its advantage by another 10 points in the second, but Houston came out of intermission hot and lopped eight points from its deficit in the third. However, a 15-6 run for the hosts over the first 3:14 of the final period gave them back a 13-point cushion, and although the visitors got as close as two points with 1:11 left, L.A. would score seven of the final eight points of the night to seal the hard-fought win.

Alperen Sengun led the Rockets with a 33-point, 15-rebound double-double that included six assists and four blocks. Jalen Green delivered 23 points, five boards and three assists. Eric Gordon supplied 19 points, eight assists and two boards. Kenyon Martin Jr. totaled 17 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. Jabari Smith furnished 14 points, four rebounds and four assists.

LeBron James paced the Lakers with 48 points, complementing them with nine assists and eight rebounds. Russell Westbrook registered 24 points, five rebounds, four assists and one steal. Kendrick Nunn netted 15 points, two boards and one assist. Wenyen Gabriel provided 14 points, nine rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Patrick Beverley tallied 11 points.

The Rockets return home to host the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night, while the Lakers remain home and host the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night.