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Watch Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) take the floor once more on Christmas, as his Lakers host the Houston Rockets on Thursday, Dec. 25. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)AP
A pair of Western Conference squads that are hoping to make a big splash in the postseason after first round exits last season meet up at crypto.com Arena in the fourth Christmas game on the NBA schedule as the Houston Rockets visit the Los Angeles Lakers.
This NBA game is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. EST and will be broadcast on ABC, ESPN and ESPN Deportes. Fans looking to watch can do so for free by using DIRECTV, which offers a free trial, or FuboTV, which also offers a free trial as well as up to $30 off your first month. SlingTV doesn’t offer a free trial but has promotional offers available for streaming the game. You can stream ESPN Unlimited on your phone, tablet, smart TV or gaming console, and bundle your plan with NFL+ Premium or with NFL+ Premium, Disney+ and Hulu. Additionally, those with DIRECTV, FuboTV or Hulu + Live TV can access ESPN Unlimited through their package.
The Rockets are 17-10 and in the midst of a two-game losing streak as they have lost five of their last seven and gone just 4-6 in December. Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson have been the three stars for Houston this season, while Jabari Smith Jr. and Reed Sheppard have provided additional help as scorers and with whatever else the team needs.
The Lakers sit at 19-9, but have also lost two straight coming into Thursday. Luka Doncic hasn’t played since Saturday and is a game-time decision with a lower leg injury. Austin Reaves, who is second on the team in scoring with 27.3 points per game made his return from a two-week absence on Tuesday, when Los Angeles lost to the Phoenix Suns, 132-108. And LeBron James, who is facing Durant on Christmas for the fifth time in their Hall of Fame careers, looks to improve his record in those matchups to 4-1. This is their first meeting since 2018, James’ first year with the Lakers and Durant’s last year with the Golden State Warriors.
WATCH NBA GAMES FREE ON DIRECTV
Who: Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers
When: Thursday, Dec. 25 at 8 p.m. EST
Where: crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles
Stream: DIRECTV (free trial); FuboTV (free trial); SlingTV; ESPN
Streaming ServiceStarting Monthly PriceFree TrialFree Trial LengthMax DiscountDIRECTV$89.99Yes5 days$40 off first monthFuboTV$55.99Yes5 days$30 off first monthSling TV$45.99NoN/A$30 off first monthESPN$12.99NoN/AN/A
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