The Los Angeles Lakers could be getting a major boost just in time for Christmas Day. After navigating recent games without their superstar, optimism is building around a return that could reshape the outlook of a marquee holiday matchup.
According to Shams Charania on NBA Today, Luka Doncic is expected to play on Christmas Day against the Houston Rockets, pending a successful workout. Barring any setbacks, the plan is for Doncic to return to the lineup and debut the newest installment of his signature shoe collection, the Jordan Luka 5.
Doncic’s absence has been closely monitored after he logged just 19 minutes against the Clippers before exiting with a left calf contusion. In that game, he finished with 12 points, five rebounds, two assists, zero steals, and zero blocks on 30.8 percent shooting. He then sat out the December 23 game against the Suns as the Lakers opted for caution, prioritizing long-term health over pushing him through discomfort.
With Doncic having dealt with multiple injuries already this season, the Lakers were careful not to risk another setback. Now that he is trending back toward full health, he is positioned to pick up where he left off, averaging 34.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, 8.8 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game on 45.8 percent shooting (32.0 percent from three). His play will be crucial against a Rockets team acting with increasing desperation.
Outside of Doncic, the Lakers have been dealing with multiple injuries elsewhere. Austin Reaves (left calf strain), who was questionable Tuesday, remains day to day. Rui Hachimura (groin soreness) is also day to day, while Gabe Vincent (back soreness) continues to work his way back and remains sidelined.
Despite the uncertain status of other key contributors, Doncic’s return dramatically shifts the equation for Los Angeles. His presence stabilizes the offense, eases pressure on secondary creators, and raises the Lakers’ ceiling heading into a nationally spotlighted game.
For Houston, the stakes are just as high. Coming off a particularly brutal stretch, going 4-6 in their last 10 games, the Rockets enter Christmas Day trying to avoid a third straight loss. They will need a near-perfect effort to keep pace with the Lakers’ star power, though the combination of Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun may provide enough scoring to keep things competitive.
At 19-8, the Lakers have stayed near the top of the West despite constant lineup disruption. With pressure mounting to make a serious run, getting Luka back on the floor could be the spark that defines the second half of their season. For Lakers fans, it is an encouraging sign, but one that also raises expectations heading into the holiday slate.
If Doncic is cleared and takes the floor, Christmas Day becomes a defining moment for the Lakers rather than just another test. Health has dictated much of their season so far, but opportunities like this can shift momentum fast. With the West tightening and expectations rising, Los Angeles knows it cannot afford to waste games when its stars are available. Wednesday could be the start of something bigger.
