Rockets Defeat Lakers 119-96 in Dominant Performance
Thursday, December 25, 2025, 8:00 PM ET · crypto.com Arena
Houston Rockets 119, Los Angeles Lakers 96, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Lakers?
Houston Rockets beat Los Angeles Lakers 119-96 at crypto.com Arena on December 25, 2025.
Who was favored in Houston Rockets vs Los Angeles Lakers?
Houston Rockets were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -125 (about 56% implied). The favorite won.
The Houston Rockets delivered a commanding performance against the Los Angeles Lakers, winning 119-96 at the crypto.com Arena. This victory not only gives the Rockets a 2-1 lead in their head-to-head series for the season but also highlights their ability to perform away from home, where they have struggled in recent games.
The Rockets entered this matchup with an away record of 18-10, while the Lakers held a home record of 19-10. However, both teams had faced challenges in their recent form. The Lakers had a record of 5-5 over their last ten games, currently on a two-game losing streak, with an average of 115.5 points scored and 121.6 points allowed. Their recent games included losses to the Phoenix Suns and LA Clippers, with the most recent defeat being a 108-132 loss to the Suns.
On the other hand, the Rockets had a record of 4-6 in their last ten games and were also on a two-game losing streak. They averaged 118.7 points scored and 117.6 points allowed during this stretch. Their latest game saw them lose 108-128 against the LA Clippers, which followed a win against the Denver Nuggets.
In terms of home versus away performance, the Lakers had a home record of 1-2 in their last three games, while the Rockets had a more favorable away record of 1-6 in their last seven games prior to this matchup. This game was crucial for both teams to regain momentum.
Injuries played a significant role in this game, particularly for the Rockets. Kevin Durant, Fred VanVleet, and Steven Adams were all listed as day-to-day with various ailments, including ankle and knee issues. Their availability could have impacted the Rockets' performance, but they managed to secure a solid victory regardless.
The betting lines from DraftKings indicated that the Rockets were favored by 1.5 points, with a total set at 231.5. The odds reflected the competitive nature of the matchup, but the Rockets ultimately proved their worth on the court.
The game conditions were typical for a late December matchup in Los Angeles, where the atmosphere was charged, and both teams were eager to make a statement. The Rockets capitalized on their opportunities, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they extended their lead significantly.
Key moments in the fourth quarter included a running layup by Tari Eason, assisted by Kevin Durant, which pushed the score to 111-89. Clint Capela was instrumental in the Rockets' offensive efforts, contributing with a series of crucial shots, including a tip shot that brought the score to 119-96.
The Lakers struggled to keep pace, with Bronny James making a late three-pointer that was not enough to change the game's outcome. The final score of 119-96 underscores the Rockets' dominance in this matchup.
Overall, this game showcased the Rockets' resilience and ability to perform under pressure, while the Lakers will need to regroup and address their recent struggles as they continue their season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | HOU -1.5 | 231.5 o -112 / u -108 | Houston Rockets -125 · Los Angeles Lakers +105 |
Injury report
- Kevin DurantDay-To-DayAnkleHouston Rockets
- Fred VanVleetDay-To-DayKneeHouston Rockets
- Steven AdamsDay-To-DayAnkleHouston Rockets
Leaders
- PointsLuka Doncic25Los Angeles Lakers
- AssistsLuka Doncic7Los Angeles Lakers
- ReboundsLuka Doncic5Los Angeles Lakers
- PointsAmen Thompson26Houston Rockets
- AssistsKevin Durant8Houston Rockets
- ReboundsAlperen Sengun12Houston Rockets
Recent form
Los Angeles Lakers
Last 10: 5-5Streak L2115.5 scored · 121.6 allowed per game1-2 at home
- L108-132at Phoenix SunsDec 24
- L88-103at LA ClippersDec 21
- W143-135at Utah JazzDec 19
- W116-114at Phoenix SunsDec 15
- L119-132vs San Antonio SpursDec 11
- W112-108at Philadelphia 76ersDec 8
- L105-126at Boston CelticsDec 6
- W123-120at Toronto RaptorsDec 5
- L108-125vs Phoenix SunsDec 2
- W133-121vs New Orleans PelicansDec 1
Houston Rockets
Last 10: 4-6Streak L2118.7 scored · 117.6 allowed per game1-6 away
- L108-128at LA ClippersDec 24
- L124-125at Sacramento KingsDec 22
- W115-101at Denver NuggetsDec 20
- L128-133at New Orleans PelicansDec 19
- L125-128at Denver NuggetsDec 16
- W115-113vs LA ClippersDec 12
- L109-122at Dallas MavericksDec 7
- W117-98vs Phoenix SunsDec 6
- W121-95vs Sacramento KingsDec 4
- L125-133at Utah JazzDec 2
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Antonio | - | 20 | L1 | .756 | 62 |
| Houston | 10 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| New Orleans | 36 | 56 | L2 | .317 | 26 |
| Dallas | 36 | 56 | W1 | .317 | 26 |
| Memphis | 37 | 57 | L8 | .305 | 25 |
| LA Lakers | - | 29 | W3 | .646 | 53 |
| Phoenix | 8 | 37 | W1 | .549 | 45 |
| LA Clippers | 11 | 40 | W1 | .512 | 42 |
| Golden State | 16 | 45 | L3 | .451 | 37 |
| Sacramento | 31 | 60 | L1 | .268 | 22 |
Box score
| Stat | Houston Rockets | Los Angeles Lakers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 48-90 | 39-77 |
| Field goal % | 53 | 51 |
| Three-pointers | 8-24 | 11-30 |
| Three-point % | 33 | 37 |
| Free throws | 15-19 | 7-11 |
| Free throw % | 79 | 64 |
| Rebounds | 48 | 25 |
| Offensive rebounds | 17 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 31 | 18 |
| Assists | 24 | 19 |
| Steals | 10 | 7 |
| Blocks | 6 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 16 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 11 | 23 |
| Fast-break points | 16 | 11 |
| Points in the paint | 68 | 52 |
| Fouls | 13 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 24 | 0 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 99 | 0 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter79-58Jabari Smith Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter81-58Jabari Smith Jr. makes tip shot
- 3rd Quarter81-60LeBron James makes 3-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter83-60Amen Thompson makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter83-62LeBron James makes 8-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter83-64Luka Doncic makes running layup
- 3rd Quarter85-64Reed Sheppard makes 12-foot pullup jump shot
- 3rd Quarter85-66Deandre Ayton makes 7-foot hook shot (Marcus Smart assists)
- 3rd Quarter86-66Reed Sheppard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter86-69Luka Doncic makes 24-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 3rd Quarter88-69Amen Thompson makes two point shot (Reed Sheppard assists)
- 3rd Quarter88-71Deandre Ayton makes 5-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter90-71Jabari Smith Jr. makes 16-foot pullup jump shot (Amen Thompson assists)
- 3rd Quarter90-74Jake LaRavia makes 23-foot three pointer (Jarred Vanderbilt assists)
- 3rd Quarter92-74Amen Thompson makes 13-foot jumper (Alperen Sengun assists)
- 4th Quarter92-76LeBron James makes two point shot (Jake LaRavia assists)
- 4th Quarter94-76Reed Sheppard makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter95-76Reed Sheppard makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter95-78LeBron James makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter97-78Jabari Smith Jr. makes 1-foot running dunk (Kevin Durant assists)
- 4th Quarter97-80LeBron James makes 2-foot driving dunk
- 4th Quarter100-80Kevin Durant makes 25-foot three point jumper (Amen Thompson assists)
- 4th Quarter102-80Amen Thompson makes 1-foot dunk (Kevin Durant assists)
- 4th Quarter102-83Jarred Vanderbilt makes 23-foot three point jumper
- 4th Quarter102-85Marcus Smart makes driving layup (Luka Doncic assists)
- 4th Quarter102-87Marcus Smart makes 5-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter104-87Jabari Smith Jr. makes 11-foot fade away jump shot
- 4th Quarter104-89Deandre Ayton makes alley oop layup (Luka Doncic assists)
- 4th Quarter105-89Kevin Durant makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter106-89Kevin Durant makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter107-89Kevin Durant makes technical free throw
- 4th Quarter109-89Alperen Sengun makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter111-89Tari Eason makes running layup (Kevin Durant assists)
- 4th Quarter113-89Clint Capela makes 7-foot two point shot (JD Davison assists)
- 4th Quarter113-91Adou Thiero makes dunk
- 4th Quarter115-91Clint Capela makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter115-93Dalton Knecht makes two point shot (Maxi Kleber assists)
- 4th Quarter117-93Jae'Sean Tate makes driving layup (Aaron Holiday assists)
- 4th Quarter117-96Bronny James makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter119-96Clint Capela makes tip shot
Win probability
Above the line favours Los Angeles Lakers, below favours Houston Rockets.
Venue
- crypto.com ArenaLos Angeles, CA
- Attendance18997
- OfficialsJames Capers, Marat Kogut, Jason Goldenberg
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