On Monday night, during the matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center, LeBron James had a terrifying tumble in the fourth quarter. The four-time NBA champion was knocked out after taking a blоw to the head from Dillon Brooks. The forward for the Rockets was called for a flagrant foul, and James clearly wasn’t thrilled about it. The end outcome, though, was the Lakers dropping their first of five games on the road. They are now tied at 24 points after being thrashed 135–119 by Houston.

As James attempted a layup, Brooks, who was positioned directly behind the Lakers forward, stooped to try to deflect the shot, but instead struck the head of the 39-year-old player.

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Although Brooks was penalized with a flagrant foul, he was not dismissed from the game, and James vented his frustration. As for his performance in the game, James finished with 23 points, 6 boards, and 10 assists. James, Anthony Davis (23 points, 7 boards), and D’Angelo Russell (23 points) were the main scorers for Los Angeles.

Jalen Green led the Rockets with 34 points and 12 rebounds, and Alperen Sengun added 31 points and 12 boards. There were 18 points scored by Jabari Smith Jr.

A tense altercation between Brooks and Jarred Vanderbilt led to two technical fouls for Vanderbilt shortly after the game began. Before poking him in the side of the head, he shoved him in the chest. The lack of his defense allowed the Rockets to outpace the Lakers.

 

The game against the Hawks is one in which LeBron James hopes to play.

On the second night of their back-to-back games, LeBron James and the Lakers will travel to Atlanta to take on the Hawks, following Monday night’s loss to the Rockets. Although it is widely expected that one of the big players will be sitting out the game, James has stated his intention to be available.

In the game versus Houston, James played for 37 minutes. The Purple and Gold’s “one step forward, and one two steps back” record has been so disappointing that the former MVP’s desire to play in both games is understandable. Davis, meanwhile, has been a mainstay on the bench despite dealing with groin and ankle problems.

Los Angeles hasn’t been able to get off the ground this year, even with LeBron James’ reliability and good role playing. The next team they’ll play is the Atlanta Hawks, who are reportedly interested in signing Dejounte Murray, one of their top targets. The Lakers’ ability to improve their road game stretch numbers and secure a victory is something that can only be determined by time.