The Los Angeles Lakers’ Christmas Day matchup at Crypto.com Arena was anything but festive. A 119-96 loss to the Houston Rockets marked their third straight defeat, and this one stung - not just because of the scoreline, but because of how it unfolded.
The Rockets came out firing, putting up 37 points in the first quarter and never looking back. The Lakers, meanwhile, never found their rhythm. From the opening tip, Houston dictated the tempo, and Los Angeles couldn’t muster a response.
After the game, Luka Doncic didn’t sugarcoat it. He owned up to the performance - or lack thereof.
“Everyone has to give better effort, starting with me,” said the 26-year-old star.
Doncic finished with 25 points on 9-of-17 shooting, adding five rebounds and seven assists. But those numbers don’t tell the full story.
He also led all players with six turnovers, and his frustration was visible throughout the night. The Lakers needed their leader to steady the ship, and instead, the game slipped further out of control.
LeBron James chipped in with 18 points, five boards, and a pair of steals, but even his presence couldn’t ignite a comeback. Austin Reaves, who had been showing signs of offensive rhythm recently, was forced to exit early after aggravating a lingering calf injury. He managed 12 points in just 15 minutes before heading to the locker room.
The Lakers’ issues weren’t limited to individual performances - they were systemic. Defensively, they couldn’t get stops when they needed them.
Houston shot a blistering 53% from the field and dominated the glass, outrebounding L.A. 48-25.
Add in the 16 turnovers that led to 23 Rockets points, and it’s not hard to see why this one got out of hand.
Doncic, who started the season with a renewed commitment on the defensive end, admitted he hasn’t been playing to that standard lately. Injuries have played a role, but as he noted, that can’t be an excuse - not for a player of his caliber. When the team’s tone-setter isn’t bringing full intensity on both ends, it’s tough for everyone else to follow.
Head coach JJ Redick has been vocal all season about the need for consistent effort and accountability. And Doncic echoed that sentiment postgame, acknowledging that leadership starts with him. If the Lakers are going to turn things around, it’ll require more than just talk - it’ll take action, starting with their stars.
Now sitting at 19-10 overall and 7-5 at home, the Lakers find themselves at a bit of a crossroads. The talent is there, but the execution - particularly on defense and in transition - continues to waver.
The good news? There’s time to course-correct.
But if Christmas was supposed to be a statement game, the message sent was anything but reassuring.