Houston Rockets' Jabari Smith Jr. 'More Ready' for Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers: 3 Things to Watch

HOUSTON — Dillon Brooks' first meeting with LeBron James since the 2023 postseason will create the most anticipated matchup in Wednesday's battle between the Houston Rockets (3-3) and Los Angeles Lakers (2-3). But outside of the budding rivalry, there is one battle that could exceed it.

The last time Anthony Davis played inside the Toyota Center; he had one of his best performances of the 2022-23 season. He scored 40 points on 15-for-20 shooting from the field to lead the Lakers to a victory over the Rockets in April.

Jabari Smith Jr. took Davis' scoring eruption personally. After the game, he stated the next time he goes up against the eight-time All-Star, "he'll be ready." Seven months later, Smith will get his chance at redemption.

"I'm a lot older, a lot stronger, a lot smarter, a lot more games under my belt," Smith said. "Learning new philosophies and new techniques to guard the post and bigger people. I know more and feel more ready."

Injuries are the only thing that could interfere with Smith having an opportunity to play against Davis.

Monday night, Davis left the Lakers' 108-107 loss to the Miami Heat early due to hip spasms. But following the game, Davis said he'll be "ready to suit up" against the Rockets. The Lakers have listed Davis as questionable.

1. Slowing down LeBron James: Davis' status against the Rockets is unknown. However, LeBron James will take to the court of Toyota Center without any concerns. James is a month and a half away from his 39th birthday but hasn't shown signs of slowing down due to Father Time.

In the Lakers' one-point loss to the Heat, James scored a game-high 30 points on 13-for-23 shooting. He has averaged 25.5 points, 8.4 rebounds and 5.4 assists in 35.5 minutes through the first seven games. Despite being in his 21st season, James is still a tough match for any opponent.

"I've seen it all," Coach Ime Udoka said. "Over all these years, he's transformed his game and adapted with age, and when a guy that's that fundamentally smart, he can obviously last a little bit longer and not just rely on athleticism. 

"He got the IQ and takes care of his body. Not really surprised. The longevity. This high level at this age is impressive because of how smart he is and how he has taken care of his body."

2. Tari Eason will likely make his season debut: The Rockets have listed Tari Eason as probable. And unless there's a significant setback before tip-off, Eason will likely make his season debut against the Lakers. Udoka revealed that Eason was a full participant during Tuesday's practice.

Should he make his season debut, Udoka said Eason will play around 15 minutes. Eason sustained a stress reaction in his left leg during the Rockets' preseason victory against the Indiana Pacers on Oct. 10.

"We know what Tari does, he is going to help our defense a lot," Smith said. "I think he is the best offensive rebounder from his position. We're hoping to have him back tomorrow. We're hoping to have him back as soon as possible. And we know how much he means to this team. He knows how much he means and we're just anxious to have him back."

3. Taking advantage of the Lakers' road struggles: The Rockets should be able to take advantage of the Lakers' road struggles, who are 0-3 away from Crypto.com Arena. D'Angelo Russell has struggled the most amid the Lakers' current road trip, averaging 12.0 points, five assists and four rebounds through the first two games.