Reinforcements could be on the way for the Christmas Rockets clash
The Los Angeles Lakers are set to face the Houston Rockets for the first time this season as part of the NBA’s Christmas schedule. Although the Lakers have faced multiple injury problems early this season, they are ready to get it done possibly get reinforcements via the team’s latest injury report.
Doc Luka Dončić was allegedly on his way back in the Lakers’ lineup against the Rockets on Christmas Day, he was officially listed as questionable on the injury report. A final decision on his status is unlikely to be made until just before the game.
Doncic has been on a tear this season and has firmly planted his name in the conversation for the MVP award. He originally suffered a leg injury during the Lakers’ loss to the LA Clippers last Saturday. He did not return to the game after halftime.
But the Lakers should return Rui Hachimura to the lineup since he was officially upgraded to probable on the injury report. Hachimura sat out the previous two games, both losses to the Lakers, as he deals with a groin injury. Hachimura has been among the team’s most consistent players, and is among the best in terms of play among the Lakers’ stars.
Jackson Hayes is also listed as questionable for the Lakers’ game against the Rockets. Hayes re-aggravated a previous ankle injury during the team’s recent loss to the Phoenix Suns. Gabe Vincent was the only player completely ruled out for Christmas.
Although they lost to the Suns on Tuesday, the Lakers welcomed back Austin Reaves and DeAndre Ayton to the lineup. Reaves was sidelined with a calf injury and Ayton was nursing an elbow injury. After the loss to the Suns, the head coach of the Lakers JJ Redick promised the team would have the right mentality against the Rockets.
2025-12-25 02:58:00
