The Los Angeles Lakers secured the third seed in the Western Conference with a decisive 140-109 victory over the Houston Rockets, who opted to rest their starters. Displaying focus and intensity, the Lakers led early and never looked back, allowing them to rest key players in the fourth quarter.

Rui Hachimura scored 16 points effectively while Austin Reaves shined with 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. Although LeBron James exited early due to a potential injury, the team's depth was on display, with contributions from Dorian Finney-Smith and Jarred Vanderbilt solidifying the win.