Lakers vs. Nets live score, updates, highlights from 2021 NBA Christmas game

The NBA’s Christmas Day schedule continues with a featured matchup between the Nets and Lakers.

Brooklyn, which is back in action after having its last three games postponed due to the NBA’s COVID health and safety protocols, will be without MVP candidate Kevin Durant, who entered the protocols in the past week. The Nets are set to receive a big boost as James Harden is set to see his first action since Dec. 10

The Lakers, who enter the holiday with a 16-17 record, are in desperate need of a win. Los Angeles has lost four in a row and while it will be without Anthony Davis, the duo of LeBron James and Russell Westbrook will look to set the tone.

MORE: LeBron’s history on Christmas Day

Like the Nets, the Lakers have recently dealt with injuries and players entering health and safety protocols but will get a few players back on Saturday, in addition to hardship signings Darren Collison and Stanley Johnson.

Can LA make a statement with a win over a Brooklyn team that’s on the mend?

MORE: Watch Lakers vs. Nets live with Sling TV

Lakers vs. Nets live updates, highlights from NBA Christmas game

Pregame

7:40 p.m. — Starting for the Lakers: Russell Westbrook, Wayne Ellington, Talen Horton-Tucker, LeBron James and Dwight Howard.

The Nets will go with a starting lineup of Patty Mills, James Harden, Bruce Brown, DeAndre’ Bembry and Nic Claxton.

3:10 p.m. — Game No. 1 at Crypto.com Arena.

1:10 p.m. — Avery Bradley and Malik Monk will be back in action, strengthening the guard rotation that will look to slow James Harden down.

How to watch Lakers vs. Nets on Christmas Day

• Date: Saturday, Dec. 25
• Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
• TV channel: ABC, ESPN
• Live stream: Watch ESPN | Sling TV

NBA Christmas Day schedule

The five games are split between ESPN and ABC. All times below are in Eastern Standard Time.

You can stream all of the action on Sling TV.