In a classic NBA Christmas Day showdown that pitted a young star against his childhood hero, Amen Thompson of the Houston Rockets delivered a career-defining performance against LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers. The Rockets secured a convincing 117-96 road victory at the Crypto.com Arena in California on Thursday, December 25, 2025 (December 26, Philippine Time).
Rising Star Meets His Idol
The marquee matchup featured second-year guard Amen Thompson going head-to-head with the legendary LeBron James, a player he has long admired. Thompson did not shrink from the moment, leading his team with a stellar stat line of 26 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. After the game, Thompson expressed his reverence for the veterans who shaped his game. "I love watching those type of guys to see how they attack when given the opportunity," Thompson said. "I also like how they can command the floor. I’ve been a LeBron, Westbrook and John Wall fan. And then I started watching Rondo and was like, 'Yo, this man is nice.'"
Rockets' Balanced Attack Overwhelms Lakers
Houston's victory was a true team effort, snapping a two-game losing streak and improving their road record to 7-7. Six Rockets players scored in double figures, showcasing their offensive depth. Veteran forward Kevin Durant provided crucial support with 25 points and nine assists. The Rockets set the tone early, with Thompson and Durant each scoring 16 points in the first half to give Houston a 63-53 halftime lead. Their defense was equally impressive, limiting LeBron James to just eight points before the break.
The Lakers, playing in their 27th consecutive Christmas game, never found a consistent rhythm. While Luka Doncic led the team with 25 points and LeBron James finished with 18, the duo struggled from beyond the arc, combining to shoot only 4-of-11 from three-point range. More damaging were the team's turnovers; James and Doncic were responsible for more than half of the Lakers' 16 total turnovers.
Consequences for Both Teams
The loss marks the third straight defeat for the Los Angeles Lakers, dropping their season record to a disappointing 25 wins and 27 losses. The loss puts them in a precarious position as they try to climb the Western Conference standings. For the Houston Rockets, the statement win on a national stage against a storied franchise provides a significant boost. The performance of Amen Thompson, in particular, signals the arrival of a confident new talent capable of shining under the brightest lights, even when facing the player he once idolized.
