In contrast to last season, when the Los Angeles Lakers made their efforts on the worldwide holiday of Christmas and actually won, they were destroyed by the Houston Rockets last night. It was supposed to be a historical match, led by two superstars going head-to-head in LeBron James versus Kevin Durant, but fans of the LA Clippers realized that Kawhi Leonard and James Harden should have been the duo to spoil the highly-watched, annual event for Houston.
In fact, the Clippers just defeated the Rockets by 20 points, who could not stop the superstar tandem that combined for 70 points, right after they had lost to the Sacramento Kings; LA handed Houston its fourth loss in five games.
However, against the Lakers, the Rockets redeemed themselves in the winner's circle and won their first Christmas appearance in six seasons.
The LA Clippers deserved the spotlight the NBA would have never given them
When the Christmas schedule was announced, the NBA was unaware that the LA Clippers would begin the season embarrassingly. Their evidence for selection stemmed from last season, a 50-win showcase from LA, suggesting they should have been one of the ten teams feasting on milk and cookies against the Houston Rockets or another matchup like the Denver Nuggets.
Moreover, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers received their yearly green light from the league and presented a blooper for fans of the NBA community, with the largest margin loss of the day.
Though Houston’s Durant dominated with 25 points, he was not their best player; it was Amen Thompson from start to finish. His 26 points, seven rebounds, and five assists were pivotal, and overpowered every urge to come back, the Lakers tried to execute.
It seemed like the Grinch had all of Los Angeles’ spirit, as James scored 18 with a team-low +/- of -33, Reaves scored just 12 points in his return, and Luka Doncic turned the ball over six times.
The Lakers had the hype and energy, yet proved the 8-21 Clippers might have been better off performing, while James and co. received a break this year to open presents and watch from their couch the cinema Kawhi Leonard and James Harden would have produced.
That said, there is always next year, when the Clippers could be on the Christmas slate. They may face the Lakers, but first they have to accomplish their personal goal and finish 2025-26 out strong.