Reigning NBA MVP James Harden exploded with 50 points and a triple-double performance to help his Houston Rockets past the Los Angeles Lakers, 126-111.

With that victory, the Rockets are now 6-1 in their past seven games. Along with his explosive scoring output, Harden also logged 10 rebounds and 11 assists.

Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma put his team to striking distance after he converted his slam dunk, 106-109. However, Harden help his squad protect their three-point lead as he made sure and converted his three free throws then followed it up with consecutive three-pointers.

Chris Paul added 14 points and nine assists.

LeBron James tried to counter Harden’s performance with his own 29 points, five rebounds and four assists. Kyle Kuzma had 24 points while Lance Stephenson chipped in with 17 points.

Game officiating is one of the aspects why LA Lakers absorbed another defeat.

“Just trying to defend without fouling,” James said, who briefly locked his hands behind his body on a Rockets possession in the third quarter. “That’s a point of emphasis anytime you play Houston. They got guys that can sell calls really good — Chris [Paul] and James [Harden] — so you got to try to keep your hands out of the cookie jar.”