The Toyota Center crowd had anticipated a night featuring LeBron James, but it was Jalen Green who stole the show. Green’s impressive performance, scoring a team-high 28 points on efficient shooting (11-of-15 overall, 5-of-6 from beyond the arc), propelled the Houston Rockets to a commanding 128-94 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Rockets set the tone early, going on an 8-0 run after Alperen Şengün’s reverse layup in the opening minutes. Their strong start resulted in a 32-19 lead at the end of the first quarter. By the 6:58 mark of the second period, another layup by Sengun extended Houston’s advantage to 20 points.

Green’s 18 first-half points played a significant role in the Rockets’ 66-45 halftime lead. Alongside Green, four other players contributed double-digit scoring for Houston. Şengün impressed with 19 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, while Jabari Smith Jr. added a solid 12 points and six rebounds. Jae’Sean Tate provided a spark off the bench, contributing 14 points to the team’s victory.

LeBron James had a relatively quiet night, recording 18 points (7-of-13 FG, 0-2 3PT) and six rebounds in the Lakers’ loss. James showcased some brilliance in the third quarter, where he scored nine of his points. Rui Hachimura led the Lakers in scoring with 24 points, and D’Angelo Russell contributed 22 points in a losing effort.

The game also marked the season debut of Tari Eason, who had missed the Rockets’ first six games due to a strеss reaction in his left leg. Eason made an impact off the bench, playing 14 minutes, and recording nine points and nine rebounds in the team’s victory.

Eason had initially suffered the ιnjury during the Rockets’ preseason opener against the Indiana Pacers on October 10.