LA Lakers vs Houston Rockets Starting Lineups and Depth Charts for Jan. 5 | 2024-25 NBA Season 

The LA Lakers take on the Houston Rockets on Sunday. It's the first meeting of the year between the conference rivals. The Lakers and Rockets had some memorable games in their four-game season series in 2023-24, which the teams split 2-2. The stakes are even higher this time, with both sides in contention for a homecourt berth.

Ahead of their latest showdown, the Lakers are fourth in the West, with a 20-14 record and the Rockets are second, going 22-12. LA has seen more ups and downs. But over the past 11 games, the team has found an identity. New coach JJ Redick was initially touted to turn the team around offensively, but the Lakers have altered their approach entirely.

Akin to the Rockets, the Lakers have looked to win games defensively but ensured putting up an organized showing on offense. Amid an 8-3 run since Dec. 8, the Lakers have posted a 112.0 rating on offense and 108.2 defensively. The offense ranks 15th and the defense is in the top five.

On the other hand, the Rockets have been the most consistent team on defense. Ime Udoka remains comfortable with that method, and with a record as impressive as Houston's, there's not much to complain about the Rockets. In the same span as the Lakers' 8-3 run, Houston is 7-4.

The offense has a respectable 112.5 rating, earning the Rockets a place above the Lakers, and the defense is seventh with a 108.6 rating.

Sunday's contest could be a close encounter, considering both teams' identical approaches this season.

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LA Lakers vs. Houston Rockets Injury Reports for Jan. 5

LA Lakers injury report

The Lakers have a lengthy injury report with Anthony Davis and LeBron James as probable. Davis has a left ankle sprain while James is managing a left foot injury. Both are likely to play. Gabe Vincent is doubtful with a left oblique strain and is unlikely to suit up.

Christian Wood (knee surgery), Jarred Vanderbilt (foot surgery) and Jalen Hood-Schifino (hamstring) are ruled out.

Houston Rockets injury report

The Rockets have a couple of injuries, with Jabari Smith ruled out with a left metacarpal fracture and Tari Eason doubtful, citing left lower leg injury management.

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LA Lakers vs Houston Rockets Starting Lineups and Depth Charts for Jan. 5

LA Lakers starting lineup and depth chart

The Lakers will start Austin Reaves and Max Christie in the backcourt, with Rui Hachimura, LeBron James and Anthony Davis as the front three.

PG	Austin Reaves	Gabe Vincent*	Bronny James
SG	Max Christie	Cam Reddish	Shake Milton
SF	Rui Hachimura	Dalton Knecht
PF	LeBron James	Dorian Finney-Smith	Armel Traore
C	Anthony Davis	Jaxson Hayes	Christian Koloko

Houston Rockets starting lineup and depth chart

The Rockets will start Fred VanVleet and Jalen Green at the guard positions, Amen Thompson and Dillon Brooks as the forwards and Alperen Sengun at center.

PG	Fred VanVleet	Aaron Holiday	Reed Sheppard
SG	Jalen Green	Cam Whitmore
SF	Dillon Brooks	Jae'Sean Tate	Tari Eason*
PF	Amen Thompson	Jeff Green
C	Alperen Sengun	Steven Adams	Jock Landale