The Los Angeles Lakers began their final playoff push in a huge way, defeating the Houston Rockets, 111-106, after overcoming a 19-point deficit. On the same night, Brandon Ingram also had one of his better games of the season.

The former second overall pick contributed 27 points and 13 rebounds to Los Angeles' cause while shooting 8-of-16 from the field. Ingram also provided more excitement by way of a highlight layup that's of the circus variety.

It really helps when one has a 7'3″ wingspan.

Ingram is having the best season of his young three-year career. With averages of 17.2 points, five rebounds, and three assists per game, the former Duke Blue Devil has developed into one of the league's better young talents. The best part is that he's barely scratched his potential.

The win puts the Lakers at 29-29. But they still have more grounds to cover with the L.A. Clippers enjoying an advantage of 2.5 games for the Western Conference's final playoff spot.

Los Angeles can't afford to blink from here on if they intend to catch the postseason bus. LeBron James has stated that he's now “activated” his playoff self, and rightfully so, as he is in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time since his sophomore season in 2004-05.

The prize that awaits the eighth seed is a matchup with the juggernaut Golden State Warriors. Not that James and company are afraid of the defending champions, but if they can create enough momentum to catapult the team past the final seed, then that would be more ideal. To do so, Ingram and the rest of the King's support crew will also need to step up.