Lakers vs. Rockets Christmas Day Showdown: What to Watch For at Crypto.com Arena
Game 30 of 82
**Lakers (19-9) vs.
Rockets (17-10)**
Date: Thursday, Dec.
25
Tip-off: 5:00 p.m.
PST
Location: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
TV: ABC, ESPN
Radio: ESPN LA 710 / 1330 KWKW
The Stage is Set: Lakers Return Home for a Holiday Classic
The Lakers are back in Los Angeles for their 51st Christmas Day game, and this one comes with plenty of intrigue. After splitting a four-game road trip (2-2), the Purple and Gold are looking to get back on track-and what better stage than Christmas night at Crypto.com Arena?
This marks the first meeting of the season between the Lakers and Rockets, and it’s only the third time these two have squared off on Christmas Day-the last coming all the way back in 2003. Both teams are in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race, and while it’s still early in the season, matchups like this can quietly shape the standings come spring.
The Lakers are riding their first two-game skid of the season, and they’ll be eager to stop that slide in front of a national audience. Whether they’ll have their leading scorer remains a big question.
Luka Dončić Status Looms Large
Luka Dončić missed Tuesday’s 132-108 loss to the Suns with a lower left leg contusion, and his status for Christmas is still up in the air. Despite missing eight games this season, Dončić continues to lead the league in scoring at 34.1 points per game-an absurd pace that highlights just how dominant he’s been when available.
If Dončić suits up, expect the Rockets to throw length and athleticism at him-starting with rookie Amen Thompson, who’s already shown flashes of elite defensive potential. Thompson gives Houston size at the point of attack and could be tasked with chasing Dončić around all night.
Austin Reaves Back in the Mix
One bright spot for the Lakers in the loss to Phoenix was the return of Austin Reaves. After a three-game absence, Reaves came off the bench on a minutes restriction and still managed to drop 17 points in 22 minutes, shooting a clean 6-of-11 from the field. His ability to create offense and space the floor will be critical, especially if Dončić remains sidelined.
Houston’s Recent Struggles-and What Still Makes Them Dangerous
The Rockets come into this one having dropped four of their last five, including a 20-point loss to the Clippers. But don’t let that fool you-this is still one of the most potent offensive teams in the league.
Houston is 9-8 on the road and will look to take advantage of a Lakers team that’s dropped its last two at home. The Rockets are built around a dynamic frontcourt pairing in Kevin Durant (25.6 PPG) and Alperen Sengun (23.2 PPG), both of whom have been playing at an All-Star level. Durant’s ability to stretch the floor and Sengun’s interior craft give Houston a high-octane one-two punch that’s tough to defend.
Rockets by the Numbers: Elite Offense, Glass Dominance, and Some Turnover Trouble
Statistically, the Rockets are one of the most efficient scoring teams in the league. They rank third in the NBA in points per game (120.5), fifth in field goal percentage (48.7%), and second in three-point shooting (40%).
What’s even more impressive? They’re doing all this while attempting the fewest threes per game in the league-meaning they’re picking their spots and converting at a high clip.
Where they truly shine, though, is on the boards. Houston leads the NBA in total rebounds (48.7 per game) and offensive rebounds (16.1 per game), turning those second-chance opportunities into 18.6 points a night-the best mark in the league. Six different Rockets average at least five rebounds per game, making them a nightmare to box out across the board.
That said, their aggressive style does come with some risk. Houston ranks second in the league in turnovers (16.2 per game), which could open the door for a Lakers team that thrives in transition.
Bench Boost: Reed Sheppard’s Emergence
One name to keep an eye on off the Rockets’ bench is Reed Sheppard. The rookie has carved out a role as a reliable backup point guard and is quietly leading the team in made threes (73), shooting a scorching 43.5% from deep. His ability to space the floor and knock down shots off the catch has added another layer to Houston’s offense, especially when Durant or Sengun draw double-teams.
Injury Report: Who’s In, Who’s Out
Lakers:
- Luka Dončić (leg contusion): Questionable
- Jaxson Hayes (left ankle soreness): Questionable
- Rui Hachimura (right groin soreness): Probable
- Gabe Vincent (lower back tightness): Out
Rockets:
- Jalen Green (hamstring): Out
Uniform Watch
The Lakers will be sporting their classic white uniforms for the holiday matchup, while the Rockets will counter in their red icon edition jerseys-a festive look for a marquee game.
Final Word
This Christmas Day clash has all the ingredients of a must-watch: star power, playoff implications, and two teams with something to prove. Whether Dončić plays or not, the Lakers will need to tighten up defensively and find answers for Houston’s relentless rebounding and efficient scoring. On the flip side, the Rockets will need to clean up the turnovers and figure out how to slow down a Lakers team that’s desperate to right the ship.
Tip-off is set for 5:00 p.m. PST. Grab your hot cocoa and settle in-this one has the makings of a holiday classic.