LOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James had a season-high 48 points, nine assists and eight rebounds on his third night of 40-plus points since he turned 38 less than three weeks ago, and the Los Angeles Lakers waived Monday. a three-game losing streak with a 140-132 win over the Houston Rockets.
Russell Westbrook scored 24 for the Lakers, who failed to open up a big lead in another spotty game of defense. James’ brilliance in his 100th game with 40 or more points — including the postseason — was barely enough to hold off Houston, with the worst record in the NBA.
Kendrick Nunn scored 15 points for the Lakers, who have won six of nine overall despite roster issues.
Alperen Sengun had a career-high 33 points and Jalen Green had 23 in the Rockets’ 11th straight loss. Sengun, a 20-year-old center from Turkey, made 14 of 17 shots from the field and added 15 rebounds and six assists.
Mexican Juan Toscano-Anderson scored seven points for the Lakers.
