Amen Thompson returned from his two-game suspension when the Houston Rockets took on the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night.

Thompson was suspended after his viral altercation with Miami’s Tyler Herro in the winding moments of Houston’s 100-104 loss.

When Thompson returned against LA, he put up 23 points and 16 rebounds with three assists and a steal.

After the game, Lebron James had high praise for Thompson saying “I thought the Thompson twin was amazing just with his energy and effort”.

Rockets center Steven Adams said Thompson is “one of a kind” and that he has “never played with anyone like this”. That is high praise for someone who played alongside prime Russell Westbrook in OKC.

Jabari Smith Jr’s broken hand has forced Thompson into Ime Udoka’s starting lineup and the benefits are already showing.

In six games as a starter this season Thompson is averaging 17.7 points and 10.7 rebounds per contest.

Thompson’s impending long run as a starter will serve as somewhat of a trial run for the end of the season/playoffs.

If those strong numbers continue, Udoka could turn to Thompson in the team’s starting lineup down the stretch.

More importantly, Thompson has the chance to further solidify himself as a future starter and franchise centerpiece

However, for now, Thompson and the Rockets will have to focus on their upcoming three-game road trip which features stops in Washington, Memphis, and Atlanta.

The Rockets are off to a strong 23-12 record, good for a second-place spot in the Western Conference Standings.

Thanks in large part to Thompson’s play, the Rockets have vastly over-achieved expectations in Udoka’s second season.

If this continues, Houston will find themselves amongst the biggest contenders in the Western Conference.