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The Los Angeles Lakers are set to host the Houston Rockets for their upcoming fixture of the ongoing NBA 2025-26 season. The Lakers lost their most recent fixture against the Phoenix Suns in the absence of Luka Doncic.
JJ Redick’s side is 4th in the Western Conference with a 19-9 record. The franchise desperately desires Doncic to return to the squad and improve its win-loss record. As the team faces Kevin Durant’s Rockets, a look at the Slovenian’s latest injury update and if he will play on Christmas Eve.
Is Luka Doncic playing in Lakers vs Rockets? NBA insider gives latest injury update
As per ESPN’s Shams Charania, Luka Doncic is expected to play on Thursday, December 25, 2025, in the Lakers vs Rockets game.
Additionally, the former Dallas Mavericks player had a message ahead of the encounter vs Durant. The Lakers guard stated:
“We look forward to welcoming you to LA on Christmas, where we celebrate the holidays by handing out big gifts and tough L’s.”
Doncic has been recovering from a calf contusion in his left leg. The 26-year-old was sidelined when the Lakers faced the Suns, losing with a score of 108-1312. The former Real Madrid basketball star exited Saturday's 103-88 loss to the LA Clippers early with the injury.
Doncic sustained the injury when Clippers guard Bogdan Bogdanovic kneed him in his left calf. Following the injury, the Lakers player did not return after halftime. It remains to be seen if the Lakers play starts him or plays him off, then bench him as they host the Rockets on Christmas Day.
ALSO READ: Lakers vs Rockets schedule: Date, time, live stream, and more on NBA 2025-26 season (December 25)
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