How the Houston Rockets spoiled LeBron’s Lakers home debut
By T.A. Mock
The Houston Rockets went into Los Angeles and spoiled LeBron’s Lakers home debut. Here’s how it went down and how they did it.
The Houston Rockets season and home opener did not go as planned. The frontcourt trio of Anthony Davis, Nikola Mirotic, and Julius Randle the Pelicans trotted out was just too much to handle. They dismantled this Rockets team and won by a huge margin, 131-112.
The Rockets then had a few days off to prepare for what will likely turn out to be one of the biggest games of the season, LeBron James‘ home debut as a Los Angeles Laker. This Lakers team is mired in mystery as the pieces don’t fit the cookie cutter LeBron team but like any LeBron-led team, they were bound to put up a fight.
Tempers flared late in the game with a wild, multiple player fight ensued with about four minutes left in the fourth quarter. Brandon Ingram shoved James Harden in the back after Harden drew yet another foul call. Things seemed to go on as normal from there, then Rajon Rondo and Chris Paul started talking.
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Now, what happens between here and the fight is up for debate. Paul alleges Rondo spit in his face which forced Paul to stick a hand in Rondo’s. Rondo didn’t take kindly to this and fists started flying. Rondo claims the spitting didn’t happen and Paul instigated. However, in-game footage, you can see Paul wipe his face before confronting Rondo.
Both players landed a few punches, as did Ingram who sprinted back into the scrum from across the court. Paul, Rondo, and Ingram were all drug away from the fight by players, coaches, and security. All three players were ultimately ejected and are facing probable suspension.
This fight became the storyline of the night and took away from what turned out to be a gritty victory and a nice bounce-back effort for the Houston Rockets. This performance showed the Rockets to resemble the team that nearly made it to the finals. So, let’s take a look at what allowed the Rockets to spoil LeBron’s Lakers home debut.