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Los Angeles Lakers: Lessons from the loss to Houston Rockets

By Ronald Agers

HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 13 : James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers on December 13, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 13 : James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers on December 13, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Lakers need Brandon Ingram back

Los Angeles Lakers had better start grasping this fact and quick. The Lakers need Brandon Ingram in the lineup. Hopefully, the ankle sprain doesn’t set him back to much longer and he can return.

I’ve noticed on social media and the comments section, that Ingram is being taken for granted. Look he does not have the 3-point capabilities of a Kyle Kuzma or KCP. But he does have a mid-range game that not many opponents can stop.

More importantly, Ingram can play defense. You don’t think the Lakers could have used him last night? His long arm could have potentially given Harden trouble.

Most importantly, he needs to get back so the rotation can go back to normal. Luke Walton’s rotation patterns have been spotty since Ingram got hurt. The Lakers have lost two of their last three games and Walton’s rotation decisions have a lot to do with it.

Lance Stephenson played hard and well…enough.

Lance Stephenson dropped 17 points against the Rockets. He actually brought out the banjo. It is rumored that he is in the doghouse with Luke Walton for the turnovers he causes with the “Make em’ Dance” shtick, but it is good to see production out of him.

The Lakers were complaining about James Harden about his free throws…I mean at least he hits his

Look, the refs calls were off and they were bad on both sides! Remember Nene Hilario got tossed for arguing calls. Kyle Kuzma got a technical foul and so did Luke Walton. But why get foul calls just to lay enough bricks to build a new stadium?

The Lakers shot 15-of-27 from the free throw line. LeBron missed his first four. JaVale McGee was 1-of-4  with a Joakim Noah style airball. Josh Hart was 1-of-3. Man, even Kentavious Caldwell-Pope missed two  and he’s shoots over 90 percent. Bottom line, if this doesn’t improve, opponents are going to start the hacking scheme on the Lakers…you can count on it.

Next. 5 Reasons trading for Trevor Ariza is a smart move. dark

The Los Angeles Lakers have started their long journey through the NBA season. Lake Show Life will be there every step of the way. Continue to check in for Lakers news, previews and reviews.

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