Lakers News: Revamped, Veteran-Heavy Rockets Impressing Darvin Ham

The Los Angeles Lakers captured their eighth win of the season on Sunday night, defeating the new and improved Houston Rockets. It took everything from the star Lakers duo, LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

The duo combined for 64 points, more than half of the total 105 points LA scored. The Lakers fought tooth and nail as Houston gave a valiant effort. This was the second time the purple and gold faced the Rockets this season, and they've had trouble with them on both occasions. It's clear the Rockets are here to stay, and head coach Darvin Ham recognized their good play and said he has been impressed by them thus far after a couple of years of mediocrity.

"That's a hell of a ball club on that side. Ime [Udoka] and his staff they're doing a great job establishing a winning culture with the Houston Rockets. Their new additions, you could see the effect they're having in the game with more so on the younger guys. They're doing a hell of a job; nothing but respect. It's not the Houston of recent years that was wild all over the place; they've really delivered on how they try to play."

(per Darvin Ham)

Darvin Ham praises LeBron James' level of play throughout tonight's win over the Rockets. pic.twitter.com/wkfHl1TLNe
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) November 20, 2023

The Rockets were rolling on a six-game win streak ahead of their trip to LA this weekend.

It's clear the veteran leadership they brought in via free agency has helped the Rockets get to where they're trying to go. The young, talented pieces are in place, and with a great coach in Ime, the sky is the limit in Space City.

It may take some time there, but over in Los Angeles, they're trying to win now while establishing an excellent foundation for the years to come. Houston may be here to stay, but the Lakers are looking to remain competitive and in the hunt for a title this season and beyond.

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