Lakers lose to last-place Rockets without LeBron James, Anthony Davis: ‘We're running out of time’

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The Los Angeles Lakers are fighting for their playoff lives as LeBron James attempts to return to the floor while rehabbing from a February foot injury. 

Wednesday night's result against the last-place Houston Rockets could not have made James happy. 

LeBron James attends the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on March 15, 2023 in Houston. (Marcus Ingram/Getty Images)

The Lakers, also without the service of eight-time All-Star Anthony Davis, fell to Houston 114-110, failing to take advantage of two losses by teams ahead of them in the standings. 

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"We just got to play the game like it’s our last," Lakers forward Jared Vanderbilt said, according to The Los Angeles Times. "We’re running out of time. We got what, 12 games left? We have no more freebies. We never had none to begin with. But we need all these games. 

"We need to win as much as possible, especially ones like tonight against teams that aren’t even fighting for playoff positions, especially Western Conference teams. We need to win those games."

Jabari Smith Jr., #1 of the Houston Rockets, reacts to a three point basket against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Toyota Center on March 15, 2023 in Houston. (Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

With the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors both losing on Wednesday, LA had a chance improve its playoff hopes with a win. 

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However, the Rockets, coming off a victory over the Boston Celtics on Monday night, jumped all over the