Ime Udoka's brilliant move unlocked Rockets' Christmas beatdown of the Lakers

The Houston Rockets earned a much-needed win over the Los Angeles Lakers on a national stage, coming way with a convincing, 119-96 victory on Christmas Day.

Granted, emerging star Austin Reaves did not return for the second half with a sore left calf, but the Rockets still made quick business of a Lakers team that boasted both Luka Doncic and Lebron James.

The win also represented their second victory this season over one of their foes at the top of the Western Conference. Los Angeles now sits at 19-10 and the fourth seed, and Houston's victory could signify a major step in the right direction after an up-and-down December.

The Rockets, therefore, unlocked a different gear when they most needed it.

As well as the Rockets' regular starters played, however, it was the decision to insert Tari Eason into the starting lineup that gave the team the necessary burst of energy. His play helped Houston return to the identity that will ultimately cement them as top contenders in the Western Conference.

Tari Eason is absolutely vital to the Rockets' defensive and energetic identity

Over the past month, the Rockets have suffered losses to the Utah Jazz, the Dallas Mavericks, the New Orleans Pelicans, and the Sacramento Kings. For a team looking to rival Oklahoma City and Denver for a spot at the top of the conference, this amount of losses to plainly inferior teams is not acceptable.

At the same time, it's fair to say that Eason's absence played a major part in this rough stretch.

Eason exited the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Nov. 14 with a strained oblique, and his return was delayed by lingering shin soreness. While he made his official return against the Kings on Dec. 21, his impact was not truly felt until yesterday's game against the Lakers.

In 26 minutes on the court, Eason totaled 13 points, three rebounds, and two assists on 6-of-14 shooting from the floor.

These numbers do not necessarily jump off the page, but they do not properly convey the energy he brought to the team. In the first quarter alone, Houston jumped out to a 37-25 lead, which they held onto strongly for the rest of the game.

They held one of the most dynamic offenses in the league to under 100 points (the first time they have done so against any team since Dec. 5). They won the rebounding battle 48-25.

While Eason's return does not tell the full story of the Rockets' resurgence, it is clear that Ime Udoka's decision to place him in the starting lineup paid massive dividends.