Los Angeles Lakers: 3 Players to watch against Houston Rockets in Game 58

On Thursday, the Los Angeles Lakers will be kicking off the second half of the season against the Houston Rockets. Here are 3 players to watch.

The Los Angeles Lakers will be starting their final stretch of the season on Thursday night against the Houston Rockets. This will certainly be a big game for the Lakers, as it is the first game back after the All-Star Break, and it is against a team that they are below in the Western Conference standings.

As of now, the Lakers are just three games out of the eighth seed in the West, and reaching the playoffs is still very possible. However, the Lakers can’t just sit on their hands and make the playoffs. They need to win games.

Houston hasn’t had as good of a year as last season, but James Harden is playing out of his mind. Harden has been one of the best players in the NBA this season, and also one of the most efficient. Due to the team being without Chris Paul for a good chunk of the season, the Rockets have relied heavily on Harden. Despite not having his sidekick in Paul, Harden has delivered.

So far this season, the Rockets have had the Lakers’ number. In three games, the Rockets are 3-0, but their last game was a great game that ended in overtime. For the Lakers, this will be their last chance to beat the Rockets this season and avoid a sweep. Also, it would be an excellent way to start the stretch run. Here are three players to watch for the first game back after the All-Star Break.