Howard helps Rockets beat Lakers 134-108 in Staples Center return for 8th win in row

Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard, left, and guard James Harden reacts after Howard was called for a technical foul during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2014, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (The Associated Press)

A fan holds up a sign as Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard shoots a free throw during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2014, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) (The Associated Press)

Dwight Howard thoroughly enjoyed his first road game against the team he left as a free agent after one tumultuous and contentious season, getting 20 points and 13 rebounds in the Houston Rockets' 134-108 rout of the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night that extended their winning streak to eight.

The streak is Houston's longest since a franchise-record, 22-game run in 2007-08 under coach Rick Adelman. James Harden scored 11 of his 29 points in the final 1:25 of the third quarter and added 11 assists.

Wesley Johnson scored 24 points for Los Angeles, and Kendall Marshall had 20 points and 16 assists. The injury-ravaged Lakers remained tied for last place in the Western Conference with Sacramento at 18-36 and are 5-23 since Dec. 20, when they beat Minnesota to get back to the .500 mark at 13-13.