The Los Angeles Lakers’ near fightback was embroiled in contentious calls. On an opportunity to tie the game, it seemed LeBron James’ timeout call wasn’t picked up. However, given the play went to the edge, the team still took accountability. But there was a play right after that mirrored those sentiments within not only the Laker Nation, but even JJ Redick.

With a four-point lead, the Purple and Gold had no option but to take a quick three. This time the ball came quickly and James hoisted. However, a late whistle came against Anthony Davis for an offensive foul on Aaron Holiday. Though the game seemed dusted, the call bamboozled the Lakers. Davis looked around cluelessly.

After the game, an upset JJ Redick sat in front of the media and spoke candidly about the play. It started with the initial turnover. Redick didn’t get a chance to discuss that with the officials but sympathized still. “The closest guy is generally looking at the inbounder” he said. But the call against Davis, even he felt disgusted by.

“I’m not sure what happened on the second play because we just watched it. Holiday flopped so I’m not sure why that was rewarded. Yeah, I don’t know why that was rewarded. That was egregious,” Redick strongly claimed.

Such was the game though for the Los Angeles Lakers. After losing their heads in the first half, a comeback meant having to play with ferocity. Houston used that in their favors on their way to ice up a close game against a Western Conference team that resides just below them in the standings.

And while the Lakers did have their hearts broken by some of those calls, the reality was it never should have come to that point. The deficit grew too large by the time the third quarter began. Likewise, while the Lakers staged a valiant attempt, things need to change.

LeBron James calls for the Lakers to be uncomfortable

Playing against a tenacious defense, the Lakers had a challenge on their hands. Tackling through physicality is only possible when there is a willingness to get scrappy. They had it all in the second half. But in the first 24 minutes, Houston overwhelmed them. The Lakers’ last lead as when there was four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.

Since then, the Rockets knit together a run of runs. They outscored the Lakers by 19 points by the time the first half came to an end. That’s where the game went away for the 17-time champions. While LeBron James and Davis did go ballistic to nearly turn the tables, the Akron Hammer wants to set a high precedent for the team.

“I want [us] to be a great team but it takes some things that maybe get uncomfortable out there. We got to do a little bit more, be a little bit more gritty, make more plays, not have so many breakdowns,” he said after the game as per LA Times.

In terms of grit, the Rockets had plenty. They generated 20 additional second-chance points, using their size and fierce urge to take back possession to hurt the Lakers. The returning Amen Thompson had a career night scoring 23 to go with a career-high 16 rebounds. From those came 6 offensive boards, the last of which was good enough to be considered a game-winner.

It was such feats of determination that got Houston over the line. While the Lakers did match the intensity, it sadly arrived to the party late. Now they have their eyes set on the Mavericks. Without Doncic they may have the advantage. But still, the Lakers have no room to take things lightly.

If today could be proof, that could be the difference maker between winning and losing.