Rockets Defeat Lakers 119-96 in Christmas Day Game Featuring Luka Dončić’s Return
Amen Thompson Shines in Rockets’ 119-96 Win Over Lakers
In a commanding performance, Amen Thompson scored 26 points, leading the Houston Rockets to a decisive 119-96 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night. Thompson’s contributions were pivotal as the Rockets never trailed in the matchup, marking a significant turnaround after a two-game losing streak.
Kevin Durant supported the effort with 24 points and nine assists, further elevating the Rockets’ record to 7-7 on the road. Thompson also added seven rebounds and five assists to his tally, underscoring his all-around play.
Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 25 points, while LeBron James contributed 18. This loss brought the Lakers’ record to 25-27, marking their third consecutive defeat. Notably, the game fell on their 27th annual Christmas appearance, a tradition that dates back to 1949.
Despite Doncic’s return from a left leg injury that sidelined him in the previous game, the duo of Doncic and James faced challenges, hitting only 4 of 11 from beyond the arc and combining for nine of the Lakers’ 16 turnovers.
The historic matchup featured James and Durant, whose combined career points made it the highest-scoring clash between two players in NBA history.
The Rockets dominated the boards, led by Alperen Sengun’s 12 rebounds, which equaled the combined total of the Lakers’ starting lineup. Houston took a 63-53 lead into halftime, with Durant and Thompson both scoring 16 points in the first half.
The Rockets opened the third quarter with an impressive 18-5 run, pushing their lead to 23 points. Compounding the Lakers’ challenges, starter Rui Hachimura failed to score, and they lost Austin Reaves to a sore left calf after halftime.
Looking ahead, the Rockets will host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday, while the Lakers prepare to face the Sacramento Kings on Sunday.
