Houston Rockets Game 42 of 2015-16 Season vs Lakers

Houston Rockets Game 42 of 2015-16  found H-Town playing the Los Angeles Lakers and looking to take a commanding season series lead.

Jan 17, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) blocks a shot by Los Angeles Lakers forward Ryan Kelly (4) during the NBA basketball game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Continuing SCS series of all 82 games from last season next up is the Houston Rockets Game 42 of 2015-16 versus the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Houston Rockets added draft picks and signed free agents to improve upon an especially mediocre 41-41 campaign. Big man Dwight Howard left for Atlanta while free agents Ryan Anderson, Eric Gordon, Nene Hilario and Pablo Prigioni joined Houston in free agency.

Hopes are these additions and the growth of existing assets will translate into a season similar to 2014-15. While fans wait for opening night on October 26th versus the Lakers hopefully this series will appease your cravings.

To that end, this series showcases the Rockets 82 games noting the pregame analysis, post game grades, and relevant video. Furthermore, SCS will highlight significant changes made by their opponents this summer. So, here it is – – enjoy all 82 posts as SCS takes you back over the 2015-16 season.

Game 42 – Lakers

Pregame Analysis:

After a solid thumping from the Cavaliers the Rockets looked to get back on track which the game day preview outlined.

The last time the Houston Rockets stepped on the court they were sporting a season high 5-game win streak and were facing the team expected to finish a top the Eastern Conference.  Adding excitement for H-Town fans was the fact LeBron James and the Cavaliers arrived having played the night prior.

So much for failing to meet expectation; the product and effort the Rockets brought to the court in that game was possibly their worst effort of the season. Given the Rockets have lost to lower tier teams by 20 points that’s saying a lot.

Now they return to the hardwood to once again play a squad who played the night prior while they are once again rested. Granted they’ll be on the road, but it was a long trip so the advantage should belong to Houston.

As the team prepares for game day the unknown is who’ll be available to play. Both sides have two starters who may not be able to go which should certainly play a factor in the outcome.

Post Game Analysis:

As Andre Cantalogo pointed out in his post game analysis and player grades a game versus the Lakers was exactly what the doctor ordered.

After being smashed by the Cleveland Cavaliers Friday (January 15), the Houston Rockets caught a break Sunday at the Staples Center against the Los Angeles Lakers and Kobe Bryant.

Interesting enough the Rockets will continue in Los Angeles to face an even more stern challenge tomorrow night against the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Rockets started the game using veteran guard Jason Terry as a starter as Patrick Beverley was being rested due to the sprained ankle he received in the Cavaliers game.

A pleasant game to watch for all the wrong reasons, the Rockets and the Lakers traded baskets at will with absolutely no concern for the defensive side of the game as the final score shows. Of course when you play against the 29th ranked offense in the league it becomes much easier and the Rockets had no trouble stopping the Lakers after halftime.

Stat Leaders:

ESPN’s box score can be reviewed via this link.

Rockets Games vs Lakers  in 2016-17

• October 26th the Rockets open their season in LA at Staples Center
• December 7th at home
• March 15th at home

Draft Picks and Free Agents

Los Angeles acted quickly when free agency hit doling out  some questionably high contracts. While the expected Rookie of the Year resides on the Sixers the player who could end up developing into the Lakers next franchise star was selected second overall.

With the exit of Kobe Bryant via retirement the Lakers are looking to re-establish a new winning regime and build an identity with their youngsters. To that end, Luol Deng should offer valuable veteran experience and knowledge on becoming a professional.

Draft Picks:

Round 1: Brandon Ingram (2) 


Round 2: Ivica Zubac (32)

Incoming Free Agents/trade:

• Luol Deng 4-year $72M exits Heat
• Timofey Mozgov 4-years $64M exits Cavs

Exiting Free Agents/traded: 

• Roy Hibbert 1-year, $5M
• Brandon Bass to a 1-year minimum deal moves to Clippers
• Robert Sacre signs summer league/training camp contract with Pelicans

Re-upping:

• Jordan Clarkson 4-years, $50M
• Tarik Black 2-years, $12.85M
• Marcelo Huertas to a 2-year deal

Unresolved:

• Metta World Peace
• Ryan Kelly

More Free Agent News

Next: Updated Free Agency Report

Next: Free Agency Profiles for all 30 Teams

Due to the large Houston Rockets fan base, SCS is always looking to add new talent to our writing team. To that end, we’re looking for individuals with a specialized focus.  Specifically, the first area  is perfect for someone who constantly surfs for breaking news on injuries, trades, insider info. Consequently this individual would select top news items providing timely quick hits to keep SCS readers in the loop.

The other writer would possess an especially strong social media background and would like to interact with Clutch City Fans. Therefore this person will promote SCS team content on facebook and twitter. As a result the successful candidate will  make sure to promote the best content coming from H-Town fans. In conclusion, if you’re a budding writer who possesses these qualities vist the SCS link, and fill out an application.