Pregame analysis and predictions of the Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers NBA game to be played on December 25, 2025 on ESPN.

BOTTOM LINE: Utah hosts the Los Angeles Lakers after the Jazz took down the Dallas Mavericks 140-133 in overtime. The Jazz are 6-11 in conference matchups. Utah allows the most points in the Western Conference, giving up 126.1 points and is allowing opponents to shoot 48.8%.

Luka Dončić had 45 points, 14 assists and 11 rebounds in his fifth triple-double of the season, and the Los Angeles Lakers used a big fourth quarter to top the Utah Jazz 143-135 on Thursday night.

The success and virality of this duo is doing more than quiet the typical noise around the Lakers. It also might transition the franchise fully into their post-LeBron era.

Kevin Durant will be playing for the 13th time in his career on Christmas and first with the Rockets as Houston is at the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Lakers are linked to a trade pitch centered on adding instant offense and guard depth ahead of the trade deadline.

Veteran guard Marcus Smart spoke about the mentality that opposing teams bring when they play against the Lakers.

The Suns and Lakers will meet for a third time this season as the two sides have split the series 1-1 thus far. Both games have been fairly intense on the court, which makes tonight even more interesting -- though Ott says they'll be ready.