Luka Doncic is on track to suit up for the Lakers’ Christmas Day clash against the Rockets - and that’s a welcome gift not just for L.A. fans, but for anyone tuning into the NBA’s holiday showcase.
Doncic, who’s been playing at an MVP-caliber level this season, had missed the Lakers’ previous game - a 24-point loss to the Suns - after suffering a lower left leg contusion during a defeat to the Clippers. Now, with his status upgraded to probable, all signs point to the superstar guard being back in action for the marquee matchup at Crypto.com Arena.
Doncic has been nothing short of sensational this year, averaging 34.1 points, 8.8 assists, and 8.6 rebounds per game. That’s the kind of all-around production that not only keeps the Lakers in the playoff hunt but also makes them one of the league’s most watchable teams when he’s on the floor. His return immediately boosts the stakes of the Lakers-Rockets tilt - a game that already had plenty of intrigue with two Western Conference teams jockeying for position.
While Doncic is trending in the right direction, the Lakers will be without big man Jaxson Hayes, who’s been ruled out due to an ankle injury. That absence could open the door for more small-ball lineups or additional minutes for Christian Wood and Rui Hachimura in the frontcourt rotation.
Meanwhile, head coach JJ Redick continues to sing the praises of Austin Reaves - and not just as a key contributor, but as a potential All-Star. Redick didn’t mince words when asked about Reaves’ trajectory, saying, “I absolutely think he’ll be an All-Star this year.” He spoke about Reaves’ relentless drive and work ethic, noting that the 25-year-old guard has embraced the grind of the 82-game season without ever taking his foot off the gas.
“He’s the type of player who consistently wants to get better, wants more, is willing to put in the work, and is willing to go out on the court and play hard enough to go for more,” Redick said. “He’s proven that over and over again.”
Reaves has certainly carved out a reputation as one of the league’s most dependable two-way guards - a player who’s unafraid of big moments and capable of delivering in crunch time. His production, poise, and versatility have made him a fan favorite in L.A., and now, he’s starting to draw serious recognition from coaches and peers alike.
Off the court, Reaves and Doncic have built a strong bond - one that’s clearly translating into on-court chemistry. The two have become close friends since Doncic joined the Lakers via a contract extension this past summer, and Reaves describes their relationship as something deeper than just basketball.
“We act like we’re probably 10-year-old best friends,” Reaves said. “You have a deeper care for one another than just basketball. And then that bleeds into basketball, because you don’t want to let that person down… You don’t want to not give it your all.”
That connection matters. In a long NBA season, the grind can wear players down.
But having that kind of camaraderie - especially between two of your most important players - can be a difference-maker when things get tough. It’s the kind of intangible that doesn’t show up in a box score but can shape the culture of a team.
Doncic is locked in for the long haul, and Reaves is expected to sign his next deal in the summer of 2026. If this duo continues to build on their chemistry - both in terms of production and leadership - the Lakers could be setting the foundation for something special in the years ahead.
But for now, all eyes are on Christmas Day. With Doncic likely back in uniform and Reaves continuing his breakout campaign, the Lakers are once again must-watch TV.