Rockets, seeking first road victory, face inconsistent Lakers

During those games when the Los Angeles Lakers flash their full potential, the notion that they rank among the top contenders in the Western Conference doesn't seem at all far-fetched. The Lakers, who will return home to host the Houston Rockets on Saturday, played without five rotation players on Thursday: Rui Hachimura (nose), Jaxson Hayes (elbow), Cam Reddish (groin), Jarred Vanderbilt (heel) and Gabe Vincent (knee).