
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 1, 2021; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shoots against the San Antonio Spurs in the second half at the AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Jan 1, 2021; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) shoots against the San Antonio Spurs in the second half at the AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers take on the Houston Rockets in a thrilling Western Conference showdown. Their matchup will be a rematch from the Western Conference semi-finals in the bubble. The Lakers came out on top against the Rockets and went on to win the NBA Championship. But the Rockets and Lakers have very different squads, and this will be a different game.
The LA Lakers have had a good start to the NBA season, with a 7-3 record, the joint best in the league with the Suns, 76ers, and Celtics. However, the Lakers have been less than convincing so far. They have lost big games this season to the Clippers and Trailblazers and were upset by the Spurs. Can the Lakers find some momentum with a win over a big conference player?
The Rockets, on the other hand, have had a tough start to the season. All the focus has been on James Harden’s future. However, when Harden has been on the court, the new Rockets looked an exciting team. John Wall and Christian Wood have been playing spectacular basketball but the Rockets have a 3-4 record, the most telling stat from their team.
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With that in mind, here is all that you need to know ahead of the Lakers game against the Rockets.
Los Angeles Lakers – Team News

USA Today via Reuters
Dec 22, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and forward Anthony Davis (3) wait to enter the game against the LA Clippers in the third quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The LA Lakers could be without their dynamic duo ahead of this game. Both LeBron James and Anthony Davis have been listed as questionable for the Rockets game. LeBron is still suffering from the ankle injury he suffered on opening night. Davis, on the other hand, is down with a hip injury that kept him out of the Lakers’ win over the Bulls.
Aside from that, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is now listed as questionable for the game against the Rockets. Could KCP make his return from the ankle injury on Sunday night?
Predicted Line-up: Dennis Schroder, Wesley Matthews, LeBron James, Markieff Morris, Marc Gasol
Houston Rockets – Team News

USA Today via Reuters
Dec 28, 2020; Denver, Colorado, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) and guard David Nwaba (2) speak in the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
The Rockets may only be missing one significant player going into the game against the Lakers. Ben McLemore is listed as questionable for the game against the Lakers for an undisclosed reason. Other than him, the Rockets are at full strength. And they will be hoping to find consistency and get a measure of revenge over the Lake Show with a win.
Predicted Line-up: John Wall, James Harden, PJ Tucker, David Nwaba, Christian Wood
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Los Angeles Lakers vs Houston Rockets – Prediction

USA Today via Reuters
Dec 28, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and Portland Trail Blazers center Jusuf Nurkic (27) and forward Derrick Jones Jr. (55) react in the fourth quarter at Staples Center. The Trail Blazers defeated the Lakers 115-107. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Both teams could do with a win. After the Clippers’ collapse against the Warriors last night, the Lakers could establish a one-game advantage over the team that is their biggest threat. On the opposite side, the Houston Rockets are in dire need of building momentum. Getting a second win in succession will be huge for them. And without AD, they stand a strong chance to get it.
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Prediction: The Rockets upset the Lakers, who struggle without Anthony Davis in the team
Who will win the game between the Rockets and the Lakers? Tomorrow night promises to be a mouthwatering fixture as two big conference powerhouses meet for the first time this season.
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