Time and Network: 8 p.m. ET on ESPN/ABC
The Rockets made one of the biggest splashes of the offseason, trading for Kevin Durant, and now look to be legitimate contenders in the Western Conference. Durant is flanked by Alperen Şengün, Amen Thompson, Fred VanVleet and a deep group of young role-players, and a Christmas showcase against the Lakers could be a good barometer of how everything is jelling.
The Lakers, meanwhile, are clearly transitioning into the Luka Dončić Era, and the 2025-26 season could potentially be LeBron James’ final go. The Lakers made some solid additions on the margins, most notably bringing aboard Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart, and should be one of the teams vying to unseat the Thunder.
Don’t be shocked if this ends up being a playoff preview.