The Los Angeles Lakers secured a crucial 104-98 victory over the Houston Rockets, a team sitting ahead of them in the playoff standings, in a game marked by intense defense and missed shots. Both teams struggled offensively, leading to a contest dictated by grit and determination. The Lakers, who entered the game fourth in the Western Conference, relied heavily on their bench, which outscored the Rockets' reserves significantly. Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves had subpar performances, but key contributions from Dorian Finney-Smith and Gabe Vincent helped propel L.A. to victory. While the starters were quiet, LeBron James made impactful plays down the stretch, including crucial free throws and a pivotal block on Alperen Sengun, ensuring the Lakers maintained their playoff positioning.