Rockets Spoil James' Home Debut In Fight-marred Game

Los Angeles, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Oct, 2018 ) :LeBron James's home debut with the Los Angeles Lakers ended on a sour note Saturday as the Houston Rockets seized control late for a 124-115 win in a physical contest at Staples Center.

James finished with 24 points and five assists but the Lakers couldn't stop the Rockets' dynamic duo of James Harden and Chris Paul, who combined for 64 points at Staples Center arena.

Harden finished with 36 points and Paul delivered 28 and 10 assists before he was ejected in the fourth quarter for fighting.

"We were right there, we had an opportunity to win the game," said James. "I am not disappointed at all. Nobody said it was going to be easy." The four-time NBA most valuable player James signed with the Lakers three months ago after leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to four straight NBA final appearances, including their first championship in 2016.

Saturday's loss left James still searching for his first win as a Laker. In his season-opening game on Thursday in Portland, James scored 26 points in a 128-119 loss to the Trail Blazers.

"We will watch film tomorrow. It is one of our best teachers, being able to see some of the things we did wrong," he said.

James was introduced to the sold out crowd of 19,000 by Lakers announcer Lawrence Tanter: "The other forward is number 23, his 16th campaign, St. Vincent-St. Mary High school, LeBron James!"The Rockets scored the first seven points before James scored on his first shot attempt, cutting Houston's lead to five two minutes into the game. James introduced himself to the Laker fanatics with an 18 foot pull up jumper.

A minute later he tried his first three pointer from 26 feet but it bounced away.