Up next for the Lakers: vs. Houston

Lakers tonight VS. HOUSTON When: 7:30. Where: Staples Center. On the air: TV: FS West; Radio: 710; 1330. Records: Lakers 27-6; Rockets 20-14. Record vs. Rockets: 1-1. Update: The Lakers needed overtime to beat the Rockets in Houston, 103-102, on Nov. 4, and then lost at home to them 11 days later, 101-91. The Lakers played both games without Pau Gasol, who will probably miss tonight’s game because of a strained left hamstring. Former Lakers forward Trevor Ariza has run hot and cold in his first season with the Rockets, averaging 16.2 points and a team-high 1.8 steals a game, but shooting a chilly 37.8%. -- Mike Bresnahan