Rockets beat Lakers, spoil LeBron's home debut in fight-marred duel

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.