Lakers’ woes continue in 113-99 loss to Rockets

The Houston Rockets (23-13) dominated the second half against the Lakers (14-22), coasting to a 113-99 win on Wednesday night.

Playing on the second night of a back-to-back, the Lakers dropped their ninth game over their last 11 tries.

Houston’s James Harden led all scorers with 38 points, blowing the game open in the third quarter after the Rockets trailed for most of the first half.

Both Dwight Howard (20 points and 13 rebounds) and Terrence Jones (15 and 13) notched double-doubles.

Pau Gasol also gave the Lakers a double-double with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Nick Young led the Lakers with 25 points off the bench.

The Lakers shot 40.9% from the field, but turned the ball over 18 times, notably in the third period when a five-point Lakers’ edge quickly turned to a 13-point Houston advantage.

Five Lakers hit double figures including Jodie Meeks (21 points), Jordan Hill (10 with eight rebounds), Wesley Johnson (10), Gasol and Young.

The Rockets shot 45.3% from the field and 56% from the line (28-50), getting significant attempts in the fourth quarter when the Lakers intentionally fouled Howard repeatedly.

Kendall Marshall scored five for the Lakers on 2-for-13 shooting with eight assists, but turned the ball over five six times.

The Lakers play the host Clippers (24-13) at Staples Center on Friday.

The Rockets start a four-game road trip on Friday in Atlanta (19-17), visiting the Hawks.

Rockets 85, Lakers 72 (end of third quarter)

Houston took over the game in the third quarter, outscoring the Lakers, 33-15.

James Harden scored 17 in the period, climbing to 32 for the game.

The Lakers have turned the ball over 15 times while shooting 42.4% from the field. Whatever worked in the first half, simply didn’t in the third quarter.

Nick Young scored 20 off the bench on 8-for-13 shooting. Kendall Marshall struggled with five turnovers (along with six assists) while shooting 2 for 10 from the field.

Pau Gasol scored 15 points with nine rebounds. Dwight Howard scored 13 on 5-12.

The Rockets shot 45.7% from the field, but just 57.1% from the line (but made up for their low percentage in volume, hitting 16 of 28).

Lakers 57, Rockets 52 (halftime)

The Lakers maintained their lead through the second quarter, pulling ahead by as many as 11.

James Harden hit a step-back jump shot at the buzzer to close Houston to within five at halftime.

Pau Gasol and Nick Young led the Lakers with 15 points each. Jodie Meeks contributed nine as the Lakers shot 45.8% from the field and 90.9% from the line (10-11).

Harden also scored 15 to pace the Rockets. Dwight Howard scored eight on 3-for-9 shooting with three rebounds. Houston shot 40.4% from the field.

Lakers 28, Rockets 24 (end of first quarter)

The Lakers played well through a quarter in Houston, taking an early seven-point lead.

Wesley Johnson, Pau Gasol and Nick Young each scored seven to lead the Lakers, who shot 52.4% from the field as a team.

The Rockets hit just 37%, led by Dwight Howard with seven points. James Harden and Terrence Jones contributed six apiece.

Houston missed all five of their three-point attempts -- the Lakers converted two of four.

Pregame

On Wednesday night, the Lakers (14-21) will play their second game in as many days, visiting the Houston Rockets (22-13).

It seems like a long, long time has passed since Steve Blake hit the game winner in Houston, back in November.

The Lakers have since been decimated by injuries to Kobe Bryant (knee), Steve Nash (back), Steve Blake (elbow), Jordan Farmar (hamstring) and Xavier Henry (knee).

For a more in-depth breakdown, check out Preview: Lakers vs. Houston Rockets.

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Email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.