By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Behind another masterclass from Luka Doncic, the Los Angeles Lakers extended their winning streak in the 2025-26 NBA Regular Season to six games on Monday, grinding out a 100-92 victory over the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center.
The Slovenian superstar finished with a game-high 36 points on 14-of-27 shooting, adding six rebounds, four assists, and two steals in 40 minutes of action. Despite his high production, the 27-year-old combo guard remained critical of his own efficiency after shooting 4-of-12 from beyond the arc.
“I could have done a lot better, but all that matters is we got the win,” Doncic said during a postgame flash interview. “We have to keep this roll going.”
The win keeps the Lakers surging under head coach JJ Redick, who has navigated a highly physical stretch of the 2025-26 schedule. The contest mirrored the intensity of a postseason matchup, characterized by tight defense and limited transition opportunities.
“They played with a lot of physicality,” Doncic noted of the Rockets’ defensive approach. “The last couple of games have been very physical, very playoff-like.”
The visitors played short-handed, as German forward Maxi Kleber did not travel to Houston, remaining in Los Angeles to focus on rehabilitation for a persistent lumbar back strain.
The Rockets faced their own frontcourt challenges with Turkish center Alperen Sengun sidelined due to low back pain. Entering the starting lineup, Switzerland’s Clint Capela provided a steady presence in the paint, recording nine points, eight rebounds, and two assists in 26 minutes.
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