Lakers Close Out 2017 With Tough Double Overtime Loss to Rockets

*Stats courtesy of NBA.com and Yahoo Sports*

Julius Randle was the Lakers' top performer, pouring in 29 points and 15 rebounds to go with 6 assists and 1 block, but the hard fought effort fell just short as the Rockets pulled away 142-148 in a double overtime victory.  Josh Hart lead all Lakers in scoring with 26 points, Kyle Kuzma added 23 points, Tyler Ennis notched a double-double with 20 points and 11 dimes, and Brandon Ingram chipped in 12 points.

Final Score: @ Houston 142-148 (2OT) [L]
Full article: http://www.nba.com/games/20171231/LALHOU#/recap

Next Game: @ Minnesota (01/01)

Highlights: *Courtesy of MLG Highlights*

First and foremost, happy New Year Laker Nation as 2017 winds down and 2018 is on the clock. This game overall was good way to end 2017. The Lakers almost notched another one in Houston, but the Rockets rallied to come back and win. I was really impressed with the effort from Josh Hart this game. I've said this time after time, Hart is like the forgotten 1st round pick out of the 2017 draft class headlined by Ball and Kuzma. Of course with KCP's jail time, he fills very well. This game, he went off. Like Ball and Kuzma, Hart showed tendencies in being aggressive to the cup. That was on display in this game and I liked his hustle and activity in trying to will the Lakers to victory. He and Kuzma carried the Lakers' 3 point shooting this game. Kuzma was good to start, but as the game went on in OT, he started to fizzle out, missing a couple of contested shots, especially in the 2nd overtime. Ennis stepped up as a scorer and playmaker. This was like a prove-it game for him considering Houston made he and Brewer a trade piece when they accepted the Lakers' trade for Lou Williams and he balled out. Pretty much as noted in the stats sheet, the starting five carried the team. Randle still proved he's a double-double machine as a starter. Ingram had a solid game. He came through  with some clutch free throws to send this game to a 2nd overtime. Good effort, but the Rockets still have too many weapons on their roster. Chris Paul took over the game when Houston needed him the most, especially when they took a hit on James Harden's hamstring injury when the game went beyond regulation.