Where to watch Rockets vs. Lakers today: NBA free live stream
The Los Angeles Lakers are set to host the Houston Rockets on Christmas Day, Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET. The game will take place at crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. This highly anticipated NBA regular-season game will be televised on ABC and ESPN, and is available for live streaming through services like DIRECTV (with a free trial), fuboTV (with a free trial), and Sling. The matchup is highlighted as a potential preview of two Western Conference teams that could meet in a playoff series later in the season.
For viewers looking to stream the Rockets vs. Lakers game, a comparison of three major services is provided. DIRECTV offers streaming at $89.99 per month with a free trial available. Fubo is priced at $73.99 per month, also includes a free trial, and currently has a promotional offer of $25 off the first month. Sling, another streaming option, costs $45.99 per month but does not offer a free trial or any special promotions for this event.
The NBA and FIBA have announced plans to launch a new European league, with engagement with teams and owners scheduled to begin next month. This league will incorporate a 'European sport model' featuring both permanent spots and a merit-based qualification system, allowing teams to qualify annually through FIBA’s Basketball Champions League or an end-of-season tournament. The league is targeting an October 2027 launch, potentially with a 16-team structure, including 12 permanent spots. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver emphasized the significant opportunity this new venture presents for the continent, with discussions escalating around the 2024 Paris Olympics and financial advisory from JPMorgan and the Raine Group. Target countries for expansion include Britain (London, Manchester), France (Paris, Lyon), Spain (Madrid, Barcelona), Italy (Rome, Milan), Germany (Munich, Berlin), Greece (Athens), and Turkey (Istanbul). Europe is currently home to many of the NBA's biggest stars, with approximately one in six NBA players originating from the continent.
For interested fans in New York State, betting on the Rockets vs. Lakers game is accessible via mobile phones. The article mentions several prominent sportsbooks that offer introductory offers for new users, including BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings, and Bet365, to assist in navigating initial bets.