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Houston (17-10) at LA Lakers (19-9)
- When: Dec 25 2025, 8:00 PM
- Where: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- TV: ABC
Houston vs LA Lakers Preview & Prediction
Spread: Houston -2.0
Moneyline: Houston (-130)
Total: 231.5
Christmas Chaos in Hollywood
Nothing says holiday spirit like sweating an NBA game while pretending to enjoy eggnog. The Lakers and Rockets serve up Christmas Day hoops with Houston favored by 2.0 and a chunky total of 231.5. Both teams arrive wobbling like a shopping cart with one bad wheel, but someone has to look good on national television while Santa judges effort levels.
Los Angeles Lakers: Star Power, Questionable Defense
The Lakers enter Christmas wondering where their defensive pride went. It might be stuck in Phoenix after the Suns turned the third quarter into a layup line. LeBron James did his usual Christmas thing, scoring points like he owns December 25, while reminding everyone that he basically invented holiday basketball. Austin Reaves returned and added some spark, which was nice, but the overall vibe still felt like a team running on low battery mode.
The big issue is effort. The Lakers allowed the Suns to shoot like they were playing NBA Jam with no defenders. Paint defense disappeared, rebounds were treated like optional chores, and transition defense looked more like a brisk walk than a sprint. Even when Deandre Ayton brought energy and rebounds, the Lakers still got pushed around inside like it was a clearance sale.
Offensively, the Lakers can score with anyone when locked in. The problem is staying locked in longer than a TikTok clip. Against a Rockets team that loves pace and physicality, that inconsistency matters.
Houston Rockets: Talent Searching for Rhythm
Houston arrives in Los Angeles with a rough stretch behind them and some serious self reflection underway. Kevin Durant is still Kevin Durant, which means smooth buckets and calm leadership even when things look messy. Alperen Sengun continues to bully defenders and vacuum rebounds. The issue lately has been focus, especially against teams they should handle.
Defensively, Houston has been giving shooters way too much holiday cheer. Allowing opponents to rain threes and control tempo has turned winnable games into frustrating losses. The Rockets know it and the talk has shifted toward grinding through mistakes rather than panicking.
Christmas games tend to wake teams up, and Houston has every reason to show up focused. This is the type of matchup where talent plus urgency usually equals results.
Betting Angle and Game Flow
With Houston favored and the total sitting high, this sets up as a fast paced offensive game with defensive lapses on both sides. Expect runs, momentum swings, and at least one stretch where nobody guards anyone. The Rockets should have the edge in consistency, especially if the Lakers struggle to defend the paint again.
Final Score Prediction
Houston controls the fourth quarter, forces tough shots, and survives the LeBron holiday push.
Wrap the presents, fire up the TV, and enjoy the Christmas sweat.
Final Score: Rockets 118, Lakers 112
Lean: Houston -2.0
Total: Under 231.5
- NBA Basketball Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
