James Harden totaled a career - high 17 assists, but it was not enough as the Rockets dropped their opener to the Lakers on Wednesday. Los Angeles showcased ball movement that was not nearly as existent last season, but the Lakers' 21 assists were only four more than Harden's total. Harden not only led both teams in assists, but also led or tied both teams in points (led), field goals made (nine, matched by Julius Randle), free throws made and attempted (15 - of - 16) and minutes (37). Only Clint Capela had more rebounds than Harden on the night, too. The now designated point guard did everything he could, but still fell short. His only blip on the box score came from a 1 - of - 7 shooting night from behind the arc, which is not expected for the rest of the season.
["TeamStat(G,'Lakers') has 21 Number of team assists ."]