Are the Rockets a Threat to LeBron's Lakers? The Numbers Say Yes.

Are the Rockets a Threat to LeBron’s Lakers? The Numbers Say Yes.

By Sarah Thompson 3 hours ago12 views

The Houston Rockets are no longer the NBA’s underdogs. With a scorching start to the 2024-25 season, this team is proving that they’re more than just a rebuilding franchise. Currently boasting a 12-6 record, they are bulldozing their way into the conversation as legitimate Western Conference contenders. As LeBron’s Lakers look to defend their championship aspirations, the Rockets are making a statement that the power dynamics in the West might be shifting. Let’s break it down—and stir the pot while we’re at it.

Are the Rockets a Threat to LeBron’s Lakers? The Numbers Say Yes

The Rockets are dominating defensively, holding the second-best defense in the league and backing it up with a respectable 15th-ranked offense. Their secret weapon? Alperen Şengün, the 22-year-old rising star who is turning heads across the league. Şengün’s ability to command the court has made Houston’s front office look like geniuses. Forget the doubters—they’re wrong.

Sure, the team struggles with shooting consistency, but they more than make up for it with relentless rebounding, grabbing second chances like they’re free gold. And here’s the kicker: eight of their 12 wins have been by double digits, including a 7-3 record against teams with winning records. Critics who still question their legitimacy might need a reality check.

The NBA’s new Maybe Good Meter (MGM) rates Houston with an emphatic four rockets 🚀🚀🚀🚀, signaling their rising stock as a team to fear. They’re not just beating bad teams—they’re thrashing strong opponents. Whether you’re a fan or a skeptic, the Rockets demand your attention.

But here’s the spicy take: Could they really challenge the likes of the Nuggets or Lakers in a playoff series? Conventional wisdom says “not yet,” but don’t sleep on this team. After all, dynasties start somewhere, and the Rockets seem to be setting the foundation.

This season, the league feels revitalized with major stars like Kevin Durant, Ja Morant, and Bradley Beal returning from injuries. Add to this the resurgence of teams like the Magic and the Grizzlies, and we’re seeing a league with depth and unpredictability. The Rockets’ rise is just one piece of this thrilling puzzle, shaking up a Western Conference long dominated by the same faces.