Luka Doncic is expected to play in Lakers vs Rockets game on Christmas

The Lakers host the Houston Rockets on Christmas Day at 8:00 p.m. ET. This is one of the NBA’s marquee holiday games and Los Angeles is hoping to have Luka Doncic available.

Doncic missed the Lakers’ loss to the LA Clippers after taking a knee to his left calf against the Clippers. Coaches and trainers call it a left calf contusion, essentially a deep bruise and he has missed only a short stretch for similar late-season leg strikes. Head coach JJ Redick said Doncic is “doing fine” and listed him as day-to-day. Reporters say there’s a “very real possibility” he’ll feel good enough to play on Thursday. The team plans to pad or wrap to protect the area.

MORE: Luka Doncic sends bold Christmas message to Houston Rockets

Doncic carries the Lakers’ offense and his presence changes matchups. With him, LA is more explosive and easier to run offensively. That makes the Christmas decision big for the Lakers and their fans.

“There’s still a possibility, a very real possibility that he feels good enough to go Thursday against the Rockets,” ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin.

🚨 Luka Doncic could play on Christmas, per @McTen

“There’s still a very real possibility that he feels good enough to go against the Rockets”pic.twitter.com/fWmR6JXilI

— LakersMuse (@LALMuse) December 23, 2025

Off the court, Jordan Brand is rolling out Doncic’s next signature shoe. The Jordan Luka 5 “Venom” debuts Jan. 8. Doncic said the shoe’s design a full-length Zoom Strobel and ISOband fits his game and gives him “extra pop and control.” The Luka 5 release adds a business note to the holiday narrative for Luka.

Doncic is listed day-to-day, the Lakers expect to protect his calf with padding, and there’s real optimism he’ll suit up for the 8:00 p.m. ET Christmas matchup. Fans should watch pregame updates, but the signs are encouraging.

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