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Houston Rockets past LA Lakers again, 107-87

Xinhua, December 18, 2015 Adjust font size:

Kobe Bryant scored 22 points, but the Houston Rockets defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 107-87 again in six days on Thursday night at the Staples Center.

Led by James Harden's 25 points, six Rockets players reached double figures. Dwight Howard added 16 points and 15 rebounds in the Rockets' second victory over the Lakers.

"I think the confidence will grow. Th spirit within the guys will grow and I think that's what we need," Rockets interim head coach J.B. Bickerstaff told media after the game.

Although Bryant turned back the clock and dunked for the first time in his farewell season, it wasn't enough to spark the team.

Julius Randle had his 12th double-double of the season with 18 points and 10 rebounds off the bench. He also made the first three-pointer of his career. D'Angelo Russell had a rough night with only 2 points.

Staples Center roared when the 37-year-old Bryant threw down an impressive dunk over Clint Capela in the third quarter. The Lakers legend hadn't dunked in the Lakers' first 25 games and had dunked just eight times in 63 games over the past three seasons since his 2012-13 campaign ended early due to a torn Achilles tendon.

"My legs felt lively, felt springy. I have no idea where it came from, but it was there," Bryant said.

Over the last six games, Bryant is averaging a team-leading 18.8 points per game in addition to 5.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.0 steal in 29.3 minutes.

"Pretty impressive for a 37-year-old," Laker head coach Byron Scott said.

Coming off an 18-point win over Milwaukee that was their largest victory in two seasons, the Lakers trimmed Houston's lead to 81-76 early in the fourth, but followed up their fourth victory of the season with their 14th loss in 16 games. Endi