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How to Stream the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets Christmas Game Legally: team news, livestream, TV channel, and start time
The NBA’s Christmas Day matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets is a highlight of the holiday sports calendar. If you’re looking to watch this exciting game without resorting to pirated streams, here’s your complete guide to legal streaming options.Watch: Lakers vs. Rockets Live
Lakers vs. Rockets start time
- Date:ย Thursday, Dec. 25
- Time:ย 8ย p.m. ET
- Location: Los Angeles, California
- Vanue: crypto.com Arena
Official National Broadcasters
ABC/ESPN
The game will be broadcast nationally on ABC and ESPN. This means several legal streaming options:- ESPN+
- The game will be available live on ESPN’s streaming platform
- Subscription: $10.99/month or part of Disney Bundle
- Available on: Web, mobile apps, most smart TVs and streaming devices
- YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, Sling TV
- These live TV streaming services all carry ABC and ESPN
- Check if ABC is available in your local market
- Prices typically range from $75-90/month (no long-term contract required)
- Most offer free trials (5-7 days) for new subscribers
NBA League Pass
- Important Note: Christmas games are typically blacked out on League Pass when broadcast nationally
- May be available after the game concludes for on-demand viewing
- International viewers: League Pass should carry the game live without blackout restrictions
Team-Specific Options
Local Market Viewers
- Los Angeles area: Spectrum SportsNet (requires cable subscription or streaming TV service that carries it)
- Houston area: AT&T SportsNet Southwest
- Both regional sports networks are available on most live TV streaming services
Cost-Effective Strategies
- Free Trial Timing: Sign up for a free trial of YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or FuboTV just before Christmas
- Disney Bundle: If you already have Disney+ or Hulu, adding ESPN+ might be economical
- Share Subscriptions: Many services allow multiple streams on different devices
International Viewers
Check these official broadcasters:- Canada: TSN, SN NOW
- UK: Sky Sports, NBA League Pass
- Australia: ESPN via Kayo Sports, NBA League Pass
- Europe: NBA League Pass (check local sports networks)
What to Avoid
- Unofficial streaming sites that don’t have NBA broadcasting rights
- Social media streams claiming to show the game
- IPTV services offering channels at suspiciously low prices
Game Details
- Date: December 25th
- Time: Typically 8:00 PM ET (check exact time as date approaches)
- Location: Crypto Arena, Los Angeles
Why Legal Streaming Matters
Choosing legal options ensures:- Higher quality, reliable streams without buffering
- Support for the NBA, teams, and players
- No risk of malware or legal issues
- Access to professional commentary and analysis