The Lakers and Rockets are set to square off in one of the marquee matchups of the NBA’s Christmas Day slate, but the spotlight may dim just a bit if two of the game’s brightest stars can’t suit up. Both Luka Doncic and Alperen Sengun are listed as questionable heading into the holiday showdown, and their statuses could swing the tone - and the outcome - of this prime-time battle.
Let’s break down what we know so far and what it could mean on the court.
Lakers Lean on Hope for Luka
Luka Doncic remains listed as questionable due to a lower left leg contusion - the same injury that’s kept him sidelined for the Lakers’ last two games. But there’s growing optimism inside the Lakers’ camp.
According to reports, the team is expecting Doncic to return for the Christmas Day game, pending how he responds to a private workout held earlier this week. That session was seen as a final checkpoint before giving him the green light.
The Lakers have felt Doncic’s absence in a big way. Without their offensive maestro - and with Austin Reaves also missing time - Los Angeles has dropped two straight, and not just by a little. They’ve lost by an average margin of 19.5 points per game, a clear sign that the offense has sputtered without its engine.
LeBron James, at 40 years old, has once again been asked to carry the load. That’s not a sustainable formula, especially against a young and hungry Rockets team. The Lakers desperately need Doncic’s playmaking, shot creation, and ability to control tempo - particularly with Reaves just now returning to the lineup.
Reaves made his return in Tuesday’s loss to the Suns, logging 22 minutes off the bench. His presence helps, but the Lakers are built to operate with both guards healthy and active. If Doncic is back, it changes everything - from the spacing to the pace to the pressure it takes off LeBron.
Sengun’s Status Throws a Wrench in Houston’s Plans
On the other side, Alperen Sengun has popped up on the injury report with left calf tightness. He hasn’t missed a game recently, but this is a new development that could impact Houston’s game plan in a big way.
Sengun has been outstanding in December, averaging 24.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 6.8 assists over eight games. He’s been the hub of Houston’s offense - not just scoring, but facilitating from the high post, initiating actions, and anchoring the team’s half-court sets. His combination of footwork, vision, and touch makes him one of the most unique bigs in the league right now.
If Sengun can’t go, the Rockets will likely turn to a rotation of Clint Capela and Steven Adams, as they did earlier this month when Sengun missed two games due to illness. While both are capable veterans, neither brings the same offensive versatility or playmaking punch that Sengun offers. It would be a significant shift in Houston’s identity, especially in a nationally televised game that could serve as a measuring stick for this young team.
That said, sitting out isn’t exactly Sengun’s style. He’s known for pushing through minor issues, and given the stage, there’s reason to believe he’ll do everything possible to be out there.
Who Else Is In and Out?
Here’s the latest injury report for both teams:
Lakers
- Luka Doncic - Questionable (Lower left leg contusion)
- Jaxson Hayes - Questionable (Left ankle soreness)
- Rui Hachimura - Probable (Right groin injury management)
- Gabe Vincent - OUT (Lumbar back strain)
Rockets
- Alperen Sengun - Questionable (Left calf tightness)
- Fred VanVleet - OUT (Torn right ACL)
- Jae’Sean Tate - Questionable (Left wrist contusion)
- Dorian Finney-Smith - Questionable (Left ankle surgery)
What’s at Stake
Both teams are trying to stay afloat in a crowded Western Conference, and Christmas Day games tend to carry a little extra weight - both in perception and momentum. For the Lakers, getting Doncic back could be the jolt they need to stop the bleeding and reset their trajectory heading into the new year. For the Rockets, having Sengun available keeps their offensive rhythm intact and gives them a real shot to steal a win on the road.
If both stars play, this could be one of the most intriguing matchups of the day - a blend of old-school grit and new-school flair, with LeBron still defying time and Sengun emerging as one of the league’s most creative big men.
But if either sits, the dynamics change fast. And if both are out? Well, then it becomes a battle of depth, adjustments, and who can adapt on the fly.
Either way, the lights will be bright - and we’ll be watching.