Lakers vs. Rockets prediction, odds: Best bets, where to ...

What’s Happening

Here’s the thing: LeBron James and Kevin Durant are once again squaring off on Christmas Day in 2025 Lakers vs.

Rockets prediction, odds: Best bets, where to watch NBA on Christmas LeBron James and Kevin Durant are once again squaring off on Christmas Day in 2025 By Sam Quinn Dec 25, 2025 at 7:30 pm ET • 2 min read Join the Conversation comments No matter where they’re playing, LeBron James and Kevin Durant seem to find their way back to one another on Christmas Day. They played each other on Christmas as members of the Heat and Thunder . (shocking, we know)

They did so again when James moved to the Cavaliers and Durant joined the Warriors .

The Details

When James flew West for Hollywood, he faced Durant’s Warriors in yet another holiday showdown. Were it not for an injury, Durant would have joined his Nets against the Lakers in 2021.

The Lakers and Rockets represent the fifth unique matchup of their teams on Christmas Day. “their” teams isn’t quite the descriptor it used to be.

Why This Matters

While James and Durant are still stars, they are now backed but younger marquee players. It’s two of the Western Conference elite slugging it out with major playoff standing implications at stake. So let’s prepare for one of the best games on the Christmas slate with some best bets.

Players and coaches will be watching how this unfolds closely.

Key Takeaways

• Below are our picks against the spread and for the game’s best prop bet.
• Com Arena — Los Angeles TV channel : ABC/ESPN | Live stream : fubo (Try for free) Odds : Rockets -3, O/U: 230.
• 5 (via Caesars Sportsbook) Rockets at Lakers: Prediction, odds, best bets The Lakers are banged up right now.

The Bottom Line

DeAndre Ayton just came back from a brief injury absence. So did Austin Reaves, and LeBron James is nearly 41, so it’s safe to assume he’s never quite at 100% anymore.

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