Rockets Run the Lakers Off the Floor on Christmas Day: Third Straight Loss Adds to L.A.'s Growing Concerns
The Los Angeles Lakers returned to Crypto.com Arena on Christmas Day hoping to deliver a much-needed win in front of a national audience. Instead, they were handed a harsh reality check by the Houston Rockets, who cruised to a 119-96 blowout victory. It was the Lakers’ third straight loss and another performance that raised more questions than answers about where this team is headed.
This game had all the star power you'd expect from a Christmas Day showcase - LeBron James, Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, Kevin Durant, and Alperen Şengün all suited up. But once the ball tipped, it was Houston who looked like the team with purpose, poise, and energy.
Early Turnovers and Second-Chance Points Set the Tone
The Lakers came out sloppy, coughing up the ball with a string of unforced turnovers that immediately put them on the back foot. Houston did what they do best - they crashed the offensive glass and turned those extra possessions into early points. A 9-3 Rockets lead ballooned quickly before Austin Reaves briefly steadied the ship with a three-pointer and a layup.
But the Rockets weren’t letting up. Amen Thompson repeatedly got into the paint with ease, slicing through the Lakers' defense and forcing JJ Redick to burn two early timeouts. It was a clear sign that L.A. was struggling to keep up with Houston’s pace and physicality.
Dončić and Durant Heat Up, But the Lakers Trail Early
Dončić had a slow start, but once he found his rhythm late in the first quarter, he started to assert himself offensively. Kevin Durant followed suit, knocking down shots and keeping the Rockets’ momentum going. By the end of the first quarter, the Lakers were staring at a 37-25 deficit - the kind of opening frame that’s become all too familiar for this team lately.
There was a brief spark in the second quarter. Marcus Smart, who appeared to tweak his shoulder earlier, returned to the floor and brought some much-needed defensive intensity.
Alongside Jarred Vanderbilt, the Lakers finally showed some fight. Dončić scored six straight points in a personal run, Vanderbilt hit a rare three and followed it up with a putback bucket, cutting the Rockets’ lead to just four.
But just when it seemed like the Lakers might claw their way back into it, they reverted to old habits. More careless turnovers led to another Houston run, and the Rockets took a 63-53 lead into halftime.
Injuries and Inconsistency Continue to Haunt L.A.
The injury bug bit again at halftime, with Reaves ruled out after re-aggravating the calf injury he had just returned from. That absence was felt immediately. The Lakers came out of the break flat, and Houston wasted no time stretching the lead past 20 points.
Dončić, visibly frustrated with the officiating, wasn’t getting the whistle and struggled to find a rhythm in the third. The Lakers’ offense sputtered, and their defense couldn’t keep up with Houston’s ball movement and shot-making. Heading into the fourth, L.A. was down 92-74 and showing little sign of a comeback.
LeBron Fights, But Rockets Close the Door
Even with the game slipping away, LeBron James continued to compete. He attacked the rim, pushed the pace, and tried to will his team back into it.
But Durant and the Rockets kept their foot on the gas, closing the door with timely buckets and suffocating defense. The Lakers simply couldn’t string together stops or shots when they needed them most.
With the outcome no longer in doubt midway through the fourth, both teams emptied their benches. For the Lakers, it was another blowout loss - one that underscored just how far they are from where they want to be.
What’s Next
The Lakers will stay home to close out 2025, hosting the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night before facing the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday. With the losses piling up and injuries continuing to mount, these next two games could be crucial in determining whether this team can stabilize - or if deeper changes are on the horizon.