Los Angeles will be the center of the NBA universe on December 25 as the Lakers host the Houston Rockets in a primetime Christmas Day matchup at Crypto.com Arena. The contest falls in the marquee evening slot, highlighting a holiday slate loaded with superstar talent and championship aspirations. For the Lakers, this game marks their annual appearance on the NBA’s biggest regular-season stage and serves as a test against a re-tooled Rockets squad led by newly acquired forward Kevin Durant.
Entering the Christmas showdown, oddsmakers at the best betting sites rank the Lakers and Rockets prominently among contenders for the 2025 NBA championship. The Lakers, led by LeBron James and Luka Dončić, sit just outside the top five in current championship odds at +1500. The Rockets are even higher on many books, with their odds surging to +1200 after landing Durant in a headline-grabbing trade. With playoff expectations rising for both teams and league parity at its sharpest in years, the holiday game will likely reverberate well beyond a single December result.
Changes During the Off-Season
Roster changes have shaped the trajectory for both franchises. The Rockets completed one of the most impactful moves of the NBA offseason by acquiring Durant from Phoenix, sending out Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and a package of future draft picks. Durant brings a career scoring average of 27 points per game and made his 15th All-Star team last year, addressing Houston’s need for a proven late-game scorer. Alongside Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., and the steady Alperen Sengun, the Rockets now tout a blend of experience and young talent aimed at making a deep postseason run.
The Lakers, meanwhile, reinforced their roster around the LeBron-Dončić duo with targeted additions. Point guard Marcus Smart joins on a two-year deal, bringing Defensive Player of the Year credentials and veteran leadership on the perimeter. Center Deandre Ayton arrived after being bought out by Portland, slotting next to Jaxson Hayes and Christian Koloko to form a robust interior rotation. The Lakers also signed forward Jake LaRavia and added center Kylor Kelley to provide further depth. While the team lost Dorian Finney-Smith earlier in the offseason, head coach JJ Redick presides over an experienced mix primed for high-leverage games.
Statistically, both clubs showcase elite performances thus far in the 2025 season. Luka Doncic has posted averages of 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists for Los Angeles, with shooting splits of 44% from the field, 38% from three-point range, and 79% from the free-throw line. LeBron James, still productive in his age-40 campaign, is contributing 29.3 points per game on 55.5% shooting in February, demonstrating remarkable consistency against top competition. With Durant now in the fold, Houston expects to see improved offensive efficiency and clutch scoring. Durant averaged 24.2 points and seven rebounds in his most recent campaign over his last five games, while Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. continue to develop as starting-caliber players.
Christmas Day Fireworks
The whole Christmas Day NBA schedule reinforces the magnitude of the Lakers-Rockets meeting. Action tips off from Madison Square Garden with the Cleveland Cavaliers facing the New York Knicks, boasting All-NBA talent and playoff ambitions. Next, reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder hosts the electrifying San Antonio Spurs, led by Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox. Afternoon basketball features the Dallas Mavericks, with rookie standout Cooper Flagg, traveling to face Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco. The Lakers and Rockets slot into the fourth slot, before champions Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets battle Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves in a rivalry clash to close the night.
This Christmas Day, the spotlight falls on Crypto.com Arena, where two Western Conference threats seek to reaffirm their championship credentials. Both the Lakers and Rockets have undergone meaningful change, and early-season trends suggest their rosters can match up with the NBA’s elite. For the Lakers, continued integration of Doncic’s high-usage playmaking and the defensive presence of Smart will be pivotal. For Houston, leveraging Durant’s experience and scoring in crunch time is expected to elevate their late-game execution.
As the season progresses, questions remain around the Lakers’ ability to blend new additions with established leadership, and whether Houston’s pursuit of a championship will come together as quickly as projected. Although December results are rarely definitive for playoff destinies, the Christmas Day battle promises high-level basketball, emerging storylines, and a benchmark for each team heading toward the 2026 postseason.
The Lakers-Rockets matchup will showcase two of the NBA’s brightest stars and underscore just how dynamic and unpredictable this season has become. With both teams sporting new faces and renewed ambitions, December 25 offers an early look at how far these Western contenders might go when the games truly matter.
