Christmas Day Showdown: Rockets vs. Lakers
On December 25, 2025, the Houston Rockets faced off against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena in a decisive Christmas matchup. Houston’s Amen Thompson showcased a stellar performance, scoring 26 points, which contributed to the Rockets’ 117-96 victory over the Lakers. Notably, this win snapped a two-game losing streak for Houston, elevating their road record to 7-7.
Key Performers
Kevin Durant also played a significant role in the win, adding 25 points and dishing out nine assists. The team’s offensive strategy shone as six players managed to score in double figures against the Lakers, marking a strong collective effort. In terms of rebounding, Alperen Sengun was instrumental, collecting 12 boards—equaling the total rebounds from the entire Lakers’ starting lineup—helping Houston dominate the glass with an impressive 48 to 25 advantage.
Lakers’ Struggles
For the Lakers, Luka Doncic led the scoring with 25 points, returning after missing a game due to a leg injury. LeBron James contributed with 18 points but struggled overall, managing just eight points by halftime. The Lakers have now faced a challenging stretch, losing three consecutive matches to drop to 25-27 for the season. Their Christmas Day defeat marked the 52nd time they have participated in this annual tradition, a streak that goes back to 1949.
Game Highlights
Both Doncic and James had lukewarm performances from beyond the arc, shooting a combined 4 for 11 on 3-pointers, and their ball-handling issues were evident, as they accounted for nine of the Lakers’ 16 turnovers.
Houston established its dominance early on, jumping to a 14-point lead in the first quarter and maintaining a 63-53 lead at halftime. The Rockets wasted no time in the second half, launching an 18-5 run to take a commanding 23-point lead. The Lakers, dealing with injuries, also saw starter Austin Reaves sidelined after halftime due to a calf issue, further hampering their efforts.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, the Rockets are set to host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday, while the Lakers will seek redemption against the Sacramento Kings on Sunday.
