Rockets to open post-Kobe era for Lakers

The Rockets' season-opener in Los Angeles will make them the first opponent in the Lakers' post-Kobe Bryant era, a change that the Rockets said seems as strange for them as it must be for the Lakers.

"Watching and idolizing, for it to be the first game for him not to come out with that (number) 8 or that 24, I know it's going to be crazy," Rockets guard James Harden said.

The Rockets, however, believe the rebuilding Lakers will offer a strong test, citing the Lakers' youth and pace of play. The Rockets were fourth in the NBA in pace in the preseason, the Lakers fifth.

"They have a lot of young, really, really good talent over there," Harden said. "We're focused on how we can get better, no…