Lakers finish eight-game road trip in Houston against Rockets

The Lakers (3-20) finish up their lengthy eight-game road trip on Saturday, visiting the Houston Rockets (11-12).

The Rockets are in seventh place in the Western Conference, but they’ve lost more games than they’ve won.

Meanwhile, the Lakers have lost five in a row, falling to the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night.

Jordan Clarkson (ankle) was called “doubtful” by Coach Byron Scott after the loss in San Antonio.

Trevor Ariza (back) is questionable on Saturday. Rookie Sam Dekker is out, also with a back injury.

Key matchup

James Harden is the Rockets’ leading scorer at 29 points a game, but he’s shooting just 40.6% from the field and 31.3% from three-point range.

While his scoring is up from last year’s 27.4, his shooting percentages have dropped from 44.0% and 37.5%. Harden earns about 10 points a game at the free-throw line.

The Lakers may try to guard Harden with Lou Williams, with D’Angelo Russell starting at point guard in place of Jordan Clarkson.

Kobe Bryant will likely draw Corey Brewer, filling in for Ariza.

X-factor

The Lakers have gotten two big games in a row from Russell, who scored career highs of 23 and 24 points on Wednesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves and Saturday in San Antonio, respectfully.

He’ll be challenged against the Rockets, who play noted defender Patrick Beverley. While Beverley is averaging only 7.6 points a game, he can hit open looks from three.

More importantly, he forces opposing point guards to play out of pace. Beverley is a disruptor — a good early test for Russell, who is just starting to show what he can do on the court.

Outlook

The Rockets are still searching for consistency, but they should be able to help finish the Lakers off with their sixth loss in a row.

Email Eric Pincus at Pincus at Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.comfollow him on Twitter @EricPincus.