Here is what you need to know before the Lakers continue their road trip by paying a visit to the Houston Rockets.
1)
D’Angelo Russell is coming off one of the most impressive displays of his rookie year. On Friday in New Orleans, the 20-year-old poured in 32 points — his second-most thus far — by shooting 9-of-16 from the field and 11-of-13 on free throws.
2)
The Kobe Bryant farewell tour continues with the third-to-last game of his career. He has plenty of great memories against the Rockets, including meeting — and defeating — them in three playoff battles, and also tallying his first career double-double back on Feb. 5, 1999.
3)
Some of those top moments came against current teammate Metta World Peace. Then known as Ron Artest, he joined Houston for one season and was tasked with guarding Bryant in the 2009 Western Conference Semifinals. His defense helped the Rockets take the series to seven games, but the Lakers would eventually go on to win their 15th championship.
4)
Several Rockets look familiar in purple and gold, including Trevor Ariza, who was key on that 2009 title team. Andrew Goudelock played the 2011-12 season for L.A., while Dwight Howard joined for the next one. Plus, Patrick Beverly was originally drafted by the Lakers in 2009, though he never played for them.
5)
Both teams’ list of Hall of Famers will grow this summer, as two of the game’s legendary big men will be inducted. Shaquille O’Neal is headed to Springfield, Mass., thanks to a resume that includes a trio of NBA Finals MVP awards during the 2000-02 three-peat. Meanwhile, Houston’s Yao Ming will also be enshrined after an eight-year career that included an All-Star selection each season.
6)
Houston currently sits one game behind Utah for the Western Conference’s final playoff spot with only three contests remaining. The Rockets have stumbled down this stretch, losing three of their past four. But a favorable schedule could sneak them in, as their remaining opponents have combined winning percentage of .301.
7)
This matchup should make the point guards happy, as the Rockets allow a league-high 24.6 assists. At the same time, the Lakers are right behind them, yielding 24.5.
8)
James Harden has been an offense unto himself this season, racking up the league’s second-most points (28.7) by hitting the most free throws in the past six years (8.9). The Los Angeles native has plenty of wear on his tires, averaging the NBA’s most minutes played (38.2), but he has made the most of them by also leading all non-point guards with 7.5 assists.
9)
By some measures, Howard is having an effective year, ranking second in field goal percentage (61.6) and fourth in rebounds (11.8). However, the 12-year veteran is also averaging his fewest points (13.7) since his rookie season, while shooting the league’s third-worst free throw percentage (48.8) and committing the most flagrant fouls (four).
10)
Houston brought back a face familiar to NBA fans to lead its bench, as Michael Beasley has scored double figures in 12 of his 17 games with the Rockets. The 2008 second-overall pick has spent the past two seasons in China, where he was named All-Star Game MVP both times.
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