Rockets spoil James’ home debut in LA

▶ Tempers flare at Staples Center

LeBron James’ home debut with the Los Angeles Lakers ended on a sour note on 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. 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. It was a onepoint game and we had an opportunity to win the game,” said James. “I am not disappointed at all. We are going to have some early troubles. Nobody said it was going to be easy.”

The four-time NBA MVP 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.

Paul was ejected along with Lakers’ Rajon Rondo and Brandon Ingram after they were involved in a wild melee that saw punches thrown on both sides.

“I saw it from a distance. It was very heated stuff,” said Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni.

Paul and Rondo were the main combatants trading blows after Paul stuck his finger in Rondo’s face and pushed him hard.

Rondo answered with a roundhouse left that would have made boxing champion Floyd Mayweather proud – the fighter was sitting courtside obviously enjoying the fireworks.

Paul then missed with a right but connected with a hard left of his own.

Ingram was given two technicals, one for starting the fiasco by pushing Harden in the back and the other for a sucker punch from behind on an unsuspecting Rockets player as he charged back into the kerfuffle for Round 2.

“It escalated pretty quickly but besides that I am happy we got our first win,” said Harden, adding that Paul said Rondo spit on him. “As a man the only thing you can do is stand up for yourself.”

James played the role of the peacemaker, grabbing Paul from behind and dragging him away from the melee. He declined to comment on the fight after the game.