The Houston Rockets will travel to Southern California’s Crypto Dot Com Arena to take on Western Conference rivals the Los Angeles Lakers in one of several high-profile games taking place during the NBA’s Christmas season today. The injury status of several key players on both clubs could seriously affect the outcome, but it should be an interesting game regardless.
We think the Rockets have their work cut out for them if the Lakers’ biggest star is able to play, but if he can’t, this game could go either way — and keep an eye on Houston’s health as well (more on that later).
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Records, rankings and winning streaks
The Rockets currently have a record of 17 wins and 10 losses, ranking sixth in the Western Conference standings.
LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers passes Aaron Holiday #0 of the Houston Rockets during the second quarter at Crypto.com Arena on April 11, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Notice to User: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and/or using this photo, User agrees to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Caitlin Mulcahy/Getty Images)
The Lakers currently have a record of 19 wins and 9 losses, which is enough to rank fourth in the Western Conference.
What happened in each team’s last game?
Houston lost to the Los Angeles Clippers 128-108 on the road.
LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 11: Aaron Holiday #0 of the Houston Rockets celebrates a three-pointer during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on April 11, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Notice to User: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and/or using this photo, User agrees to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Caitlin Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Los Angeles also lost to the Phoenix Suns 132-108 on the road.
Injuried
For Houston, Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle), Ja’Shawn Tate (wrist) and Alperon Sengung (calf) are doubtful, and Fred VanVleet (ACL) is out.
LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 11: Jeff Green #32 of the Houston Rockets shoots against Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter at Crypto.com Arena on April 11, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Notice to User: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and/or using this photo, User agrees to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Caitlin Mulcahy/Getty Images)
For the Lakers, Gabe Vincent (guard) is out, Jaxson Hayes (ankle) and Luka Doncic (leg) are questionable, and Rui Hachimura (groin) is likely to play.
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Possible starting lineup – Houston
HOUSTON, TX – JANUARY 5: Amen Thompson #1 of the Houston Rockets handles the ball during the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Toyota Center on January 5, 2025 in Houston, Texas. Notice to User: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and/or using this photo, User agrees to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Possible starting lineup – Los Angeles
You should watch the game at:
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TV channel: NBC, Space City Home Network
This article was originally published on Rockets Wire: Rockets vs. Lakers: Live broadcast, lineup, injury report, broadcast (12/25)
