Houston Rockets vs LA Lakers Starting Lineups Tonight (Dec. 25) | 2025-26 NBA Season

The Houston Rockets and LA Lakers lock horns in a blockbuster Christmas Day game at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Thursday. The game will attract viewers from all across the world as superstar Kevin Durant and LeBron James will renew their intense rivalry, while Luka Doncic could also return, making it a star-studded contest.

It will be the first meeting of the season between the two Western Conference giants with championship aspirations. Both teams have struggled recently after getting out of the blocks in strong fashion to begin their respective campaigns. The Lakers and Rockets have lost their previous two games, desperately eyeing a return to winning ways.

The Purple and Gold have lost five of their last 10 games, while the Rockets have suffered defeat in six of their last 10 fixtures. Let's take a closer look at the starting lineups of both teams.

Houston Rockets vs. LA Lakers Starting Lineups Tonight (Dec. 25)

Houston Rockets starting lineup

Houston coach Ime Udoka might be forced to ring in a huge change to the starting lineup. Alperen Sengun is in danger of missing the Lakers game, and if he does get sidelined, it will be a huge blow to the Rockets.

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If he is fit, then Sengun will lead the starting lineup, with Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr. and Josh Okogie rounding out the starting five.

Rockets depth chart against the Lakers:

LA Lakers starting lineup

Luka Doncic might play after missing the previous game. If the Slovenia Point guard returns, he will take his place in the starting lineup. Austin Reaves played off the bench in the previous game, but is expected to start against the Rockets.

Rui Hachimura is slated to make his comeback after a two-game absence. He will be on the wing alongside LeBron James, while Deandre Ayton will lead the frontcourt from the center position.

Lakers depth chart against the Rockets:

Houston Rockets vs. LA Lakers injury reports

The Rockets listed Alperen Sengun as questionable with left calf tightness. Dorian Finney-Smith was upgraded to questionable as he recovers from a left ankle injury. Jae'Sean Tate is dealing with a left wrist contusion and is questionable and Fred VanVleet remains out with an ACL injury.

Meanwhile, the Lakers listed Luka Doncic (lower left leg contusion) and Jaxson Hayes (left ankle soreness) as questionable. Rui Hachimura was listed as probable with a right groin injury and Gabe Vincent was ruled out with a lumbar back strain.

Edited by Atishay Jain