HOUSTON - The Rockets did more than extend their winning streak on Sunday. They validated it. Rafer Alston scored 31 points and hit eight 3-pointers, both career highs, and the Rockets beat the LA Lakers 104-92 to extend their winning streak to 22 and claim sole possession of first place in the Western Conference.

Kobe Bryant scored 24 points for the Lakers and smothered Tracy McGrady on defense, helping hold the Houston star to 11 points on 4-for-16 shooting.

The rest of the Rockets made up for it. Shane Battier scored 14 points and shadowed Bryant most of the game. Backup point guard Bobby Jackson added 19 points and Luis Scola had 13 points and 11 rebounds.

The Rockets have won 26 of their last 27 games and 31 of their last 34. They've won 15 straight at the Toyota Center, 10 straight since Yoa Ming went out with a broken foot and 11 of their last 13 games by double digits.

The Lakers have lost three of their last four. They played without Pau Gasol, who's out indefinitely with a sprained ankle.