LAKERS REPORT

Even though the loss came 2 1/2 months ago, with Charles Barkley and O’Neal suspended after a fight the previous game, the Lakers’ motivations are clear for today’s game in Houston.

Since the Lakers lost to Houston, 97-81, on Nov. 12 at Staples Center, Barkley has suffered a career-ending knee injury, the Rockets have become rookie Steve Francis’ team and the Lakers have posted the best record in the NBA.

But the Lakers, who have avenged earlier defeats in each of three opportunities this season, say they only remember the defeat, not the circumstances.

“Looking at Houston, we owe them,” forward Glen Rice said. “They came in here and they beat us on our floor. We’re going to go in there with a lot of intensity, be very aggressive and try to return the favor.”

Said guard Derek Fisher: “I think because of the loss that we took from them here at home a couple of months ago, we have enough incentive to go down there and get a game from them.

“I don’t think we’ll have any problem at all getting ready to play against a team that people may consider not to be good.”

Today

at Houston, 11:30 a.m. PST, Ch. 4

* Site--Compaq Center.

* Radio--KLAC (570).

* Records--Lakers 34-9, Rockets 16-27.

* Record vs. Rockets--1-1.

* Update--With Barkley gone and Hakeem Olajuwon not back in the starting lineup after hernia surgery, Francis recently rallied the Rockets to six consecutive victories, capped by home defeats of Portland and Miami. In the last four games of the winning streak, Francis averaged 22.3 points, 9.8 assists and 5.5 rebounds. Houston, however, has dropped its last three.