On January 6th, Beijing time, the NBA regular season continued with the Lakers visiting the Rockets. In this game, Aminu returned from suspension and had a fiery performance with Green, helping the team take control of the court and leading by as many as 22 points in the first half. However, the Lakers made a furious comeback, reducing the gap to just 2 points at one point. In the final quarter, the Rockets regained the initiative and held off the Lakers' counterattack. Ultimately, the Rockets defeated the Lakers 119-115 in a close match.
In this game, Aminu returned to the starting lineup and both teams were locked in a seesaw battle at the beginning, with the score alternating in the lead. However, after the Lakers' offense fell into a slump, the Rockets, led by Green, continued to score, launching a 21-5 run to take control of the game. In the second quarter, the Rockets extended their momentum and further widened the gap. Although the Lakers' offense recovered somewhat, they were able to close the gap slightly. However, VanVleet's three-pointer helped the team re-establish their lead, and at halftime, the Rockets led the Lakers 67-49.
After changing sides, the Rockets failed to maintain their momentum, while the Lakers found their rhythm again. James led the team to continuously make up ground, hitting 9 three-pointers in a single quarter and launching a 40-24 offensive surge to successfully reduce the gap. At the end of the third quarter, the Lakers only trailed by 2 points. In the fourth quarter, the Rockets started with an 8-0 run to re-open the gap. After the Lakers adjusted, they successfully reduced the gap. Smith scored 2+1 to catch up, Green broke through for a basket, and Davis hit a three-pointer to keep the suspense alive. Shen Jing missed one of two free throws, giving the Lakers a chance, but they made a fatal mistake. VanVleet made one of two free throws to seal the victory, and the Rockets ultimately defeated the Lakers 119-115.
The Rockets also narrowly avoided a reversal, once leading by 22 points but almost being overturned in the end. Fortunately, Green was able to score in the key moments. This time, Green performed outstandingly, shooting 12 of 24 for 33 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists without any turnovers. In addition, after Aminu's suspension was lifted, he scored 23 points and grabbed 16 rebounds. Shen Jing also contributed 14 points, and VanVleet added 15 points.
The Lakers also did their best, with six players scoring in double figures and narrowing the gap at one point, but unfortunately missed their opportunity in the end. James scored 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 9 assists, Davis had 30 points and 13 rebounds, and Reeves contributed 21 points and 10 assists. The trio performed well, and the team also hit 16 three-pointers from outside, but unfortunately, they were outrebounded and lost 52 points in the paint, resulting in a regrettable defeat.