Lakers Gear Up for Christmas Clash with Rockets - Luka Doncic’s Status Still Uncertain
The Los Angeles Lakers are set for center stage on Christmas Day, but one major question still hangs in the air: Will Luka Doncic be ready to suit up?
Doncic, who’s been nursing a left calf contusion, picked up the injury last Saturday in a physical matchup against the Clippers. He sat out Tuesday’s game against the Suns, and his availability for the holiday showdown with the Rockets remains up in the air. For now, he’s listed as day-to-day, according to Lakers head coach JJ Redick.
The timing couldn’t be more critical. The Lakers dropped both of their recent games - including the one Doncic missed - and while they still sit atop the Pacific Division at 19-9, their momentum has cooled. After a red-hot seven-game win streak to close November, they’ve stumbled to a 4-5 mark in December.
Doncic’s Calf Injury: What We Know
The official diagnosis is a left calf contusion - essentially a deep bruise - but as with any lower-leg injury, especially to a player who relies so heavily on change-of-pace and lateral movement, it’s worth monitoring closely.
There wasn’t a clear moment during the Clippers game where the injury visibly occurred, which can be both good and bad. On one hand, it suggests there was no major trauma. On the other, it means the pain and stiffness might have crept up gradually, making it harder to pinpoint a return timeline.
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the team has explored options like additional padding or a wrap to help protect the area if Doncic does try to play. There’s still a “very real possibility” he’ll be good to go by tip-off, but it may come down to how he feels during pregame warmups.
Christmas Day Spotlight
The Lakers-Rockets matchup is part of ESPN’s traditional five-game Christmas Day slate, with tip-off scheduled for 8 p.m. ET at crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The game will be broadcast nationally on both ABC and ESPN, and it’s also available via the ESPN App and Fubo for those streaming from home.
If Doncic plays, it adds a layer of intrigue to what’s already a marquee matchup. The Rockets bring a young, energetic roster that can push the pace, while the Lakers - even with recent struggles - remain one of the league’s most watched and most dangerous teams when healthy.
What’s Next for the Lakers
After Christmas, the Lakers won’t have much time to rest. Here’s a look at their upcoming schedule:
- Dec. 28 vs. Kings
- Dec. 30 vs. Pistons
- Jan. 2 vs. Grizzlies
- Jan. 4 vs. Grizzlies
- Jan. 6 at Pelicans
- Jan. 7 at Spurs
- Jan. 9 vs. Bucks
- Jan. 12 at Kings
- Jan. 13 vs.
Hawks
- Jan. 15 vs.
Hornets
It’s a stretch that includes a mix of playoff hopefuls and lottery-bound teams - but with the Western Conference as competitive as it’s been, there’s no such thing as a soft spot in the schedule.
If Doncic is able to return on Christmas, even in a limited capacity, it could provide a spark for a Lakers team that’s looking to regain its rhythm heading into the new year.
For now, all eyes are on Thursday night - and whether No. 77 will be in uniform when the lights come on.