US Edition"Trades Are Coming in Los Angeles": NBA Insider Foresees Big Changes in Lakers After 3rd Successive Blowout Loss
The Rockets rank third in offense and lead the NBA in rebounds while the Lakers face defensive struggles and lineup instability, impacting their Christmas Day clash.
- On Christmas Day, the Los Angeles Lakers hosted the Houston Rockets at 5 p.m. PST at Crypto.com Arena as the Rockets limped into the matchup amid recent struggles.
- Defensive breakdowns and lineup churn have undercut the Lakers' consistency, producing a 5-5 stretch in recent weeks with 15 different starting lineups in 28 games and only two games at full 14 standard contract players.
- The Rockets combine elite offensive efficiency and board dominance, led by Kevin Durant's 25.2 points, ranking third offensively despite a slow pace and leading the NBA with 48.7 rebounds and 16.1 offensive rebounds per game.
- Center Jaxson Hayes suffered a left-ankle tweak Tuesday and did not return, while Gabe Vincent will miss his fourth game and Luka Doncic is questionable for Thursday.
- Beyond tonight's result, the game influences playoff positioning and betting angles, with LeBron James a key Christmas prop target as Houston has won just four of its last 10 and the Lakers lost five of seven.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Lakers, LeBron James Relationship Has 'Run Its Course,' Says NBA Champion
Former NBA Champion Kendrick Perkins feels the seven-year relationship between LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers has run its course.Perkins came to that conclusion after observing the body language of James, his former teammate, during Thursday’s Christmas Day loss to the Houston Rockets.“LeBron James and the Lakers, their relationship has run its course,” Perkins told ESPN’s “First Take” on Friday. “And they need to figure out a solution.…
JJ Redick Rips Los Angeles Lakers Players To Shreds After Ugly Christmas Day Loss To Houston Rockets
Apr 22, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) leave a court after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 94-85 in game two of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images At one point this season, the Los Angeles Lakers sat second in the NBA’s Western Conference and looked like a legitimate threat to the…
Rockdale Citizen & Newton Citizen
Rockets wrap up trip with dominant Christmas win over Lakers
Amen Thompson scored 26 points and Kevin Durant added 25 as the visiting Houston Rockets led wire-to-wire in a 119-96 win over the Los Angeles Lakers in a Christmas Day matchup on Thursday.
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- 56% of the sources are Center
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