There’s nothing quite like Christmas Day in the Association, and this year’s slate offers no shortage of star power. LeBron James will play in his record 20th game on December 25, and Kevin Durant will play in his 13th.
For as good as Houston has been, my Rockets vs. Lakers predictions expect the home team to come away victorious as the surprising underdog.
Here are my free NBA picks for this star-studded affair at Crypto.com Arena for December 25.
Rockets vs Lakers prediction
Rockets vs Lakers best bet: Lakers moneyline (+130)
The Los Angeles Lakers suffered an ugly loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday before suffering another nasty one to the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets stumbled against the Clippers on Tuesday, losing by 20 points. Houston has covered the spread just once in its last seven games, and while the Lakers have had their own hiccups, they hold the advantage here.
The Rockets will play their fifth road game in 10 days, while L.A. will return home following a four-game road trip. The Lakers are 6-5 against the spread at home, and 2-2 as the home underdogs.
The Lakers have dealt with recurring injuries over the last two weeks, as all of Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton, Rui Hachimura, and Luka Doncic missed at least one game.
Los Angeles is expected to be healthy, and I won’t bet against the trio of LeBron, Luka, and Reaves. With Houston struggling and Los Angeles in a great, get-right spot, I’ll take the plus-money odds on L.A. winning outright.
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Rockets vs Lakers same-game parlay
The Lakers lead the Association with an 11-0 mark to the Over at home, while the Rockets are 12-5 to the Over on the road.
The Lakers have hit the Over in seven of their last 10 games this season, and the team has gone 5-2 to the Over in seven Christmas games with LeBron.
In four head-to-head matchups with Durant on Christmas, LeBron James has averaged 40.3 PRA, posting totals of 32, 35, 46, and 48. In 19 career Christmas games, James has averaged 41.4 PRA, and he’s gone for at least 32 in all but one. This may be King James’ final Christmas contest, so I expect him to show out.
Rockets vs Lakers SGP
- Lakers moneyline
- Over 229
- LeBron James Over 31.5 points+rebounds+assists
Our "from downtown" SGP: Shining stars
Kevin Durant has averaged 28.8 points across four Christmas matchups with LeBron, going for at least 30 twice and at least 25 three times.
In his career, he’s averaged 28.5 points across 12 Christmas games, going for 30+ points four times, 29+ points seven times, and 25+ nine times.
Rockets vs Lakers SGP
- Lakers moneyline
- Over 229
- LeBron James Over 31.5 points+rebounds+assists
- Kevin Durant Over 24.5 points
Rockets vs Lakers odds
- Spread: Rockets -3 | Lakers +3
- Moneyline: Rockets -155 | Lakers +130
- Over/Under: Over 229 | Under 229
Rockets vs Lakers betting trend to know
The Lakers have hit the game total Over in all 11 home games this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Rockets vs. Lakers.
How to watch Rockets vs Lakers
| Location | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA |
| Date | Thursday, December 25, 2025 |
| Tip-off | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN/ABC |
Rockets vs Lakers latest injuries
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