Christmas reminded fans of Houston's true strengths: defense, rebounding, and discipline. They controlled the pace, outplayed the Lakers, and showcased their emerging pattern of urgency.

The Lakers are circling back with the Heat on Andrew Wiggins during trade season. A top target for Los Angeles since the summer, Miami has held firm on their draft pick demands since talks first began. LA can match salaries including Rui Hachimura + another expiring contract. pic.twitter.com/9Wunx1STcN

Houston became the latest team to torch the Lakers, who have a problem because their core trio struggles to guard.

Lakers forward Jake LaRavia hinted that something may be a bit off with the team's chemistry following its Christmas Day loss to the Rockets.

The Houston Rockets, behind Amen Thompson and Kevin Durant, dominated in Los Angeles as the Lakers dropped their third game in a row.

29 games into the season, this fatal flaw is being exposed in the worst possible way, as the Lakers have anabysmal 119.2defensive rating, which ranks 25th in the leagueperCleaning the Glass.After an embarrassing 119-96 Christmas Day loss to the Houston Rockets, concerns about the Lakers' defense are understandably at an all-time high.

Nikola Jokic scored 56 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves, and also recorded a triple-double in the win. Nick Wright, Chris Broussard, and Kevin Wildes debate how good Jokic is, if the Los Angeles Lakers need to adjust,