LeBron rallies Lakers to 111-106 victory over Rockets

LOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James scored 29 points, Brandon Ingram added 27 and the Los Angeles Lakers rallied from a 19-point deficit midway through the third quarter to defeat the Houston Rockets 111-106 on Thursday night.

The Lakers trailed most of the game and were down 95-88 with 7:49 remaining when they went on a 17-4 run over a six-minute span. James, who scored eight points during the run, gave Los Angeles a 99-97 lead with 4:15 remaining. They would lead by as many as eight in the final minute.

It is Los Angeles’ sixth comeback victory this season when trailing by 15 or more at any point.

James Harden led Houston with 30 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists before fouling out with 1:24 remaining. It is his 32nd consecutive game where he has scored 30 or more points, overtaking Wilt Chamberlain for the second-longest streak in NBA history. Chamberlain also holds the record at 65 games.

Chris Paul added 23 points before also fouling out.

The Lakers trailed by 19 midway through the third quarter and 86-72 with 3:55 remaining in the period before rallying back. They closed the quarter on a 9-2 run as Kyle Kuzma scored five and James had four to trail 90-83 going into the fourth.

Houston led 32-22 at the end of the first quarter when it ended the period with eight straight points, including back-to-back 3-pointers by Faried and Austin Rivers.

Harden’s jumper gave the Rockets a 52-39 advantage with 4:20 remaining before the Lakers went on an 9-0 run. The Rockets would lead 58-52 at halftime.

CAPELA RETURNS

Houston center Clint Capela returned to the lineup for the first time since Jan. 13 and had a double-double. Capela — who had 12 points and 10 rebounds — suffered a right thumb injury against Orlando and missed 15 games.

TIP-INS

Rockets: It is only the fifth loss for Houston in 33 games when it has led after three quarters.

Lakers: G Mike Muscala missed the game due to a sprained right ankle.

UP NEXT

Rockets: Travel to the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night.

Lakers: Visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night.