Luka Doncic might not even suit up on Christmas Day—but he’s already made sure the Houston Rockets are thinking about him. Just days before the holiday showdown at Crypto.com Arena, the Slovenian superstar delivered an unexpected message that quickly caught fire online, adding spice to an already marquee matchup.

X account Luka Updates shared the moment on Tuesday, revealing Doncic sending what can only be described as a “warm” warning via Snapchat. Whoever put that phone in his hands deserves credit—because the message instantly shifted the spotlight away from the usual Christmas staples.

Using an extremely Christmas-y filter, the 26-year-old sharpshooter conveyed his message to the Rockets. “We look forward to welcoming you to LA for Christmas, where we celebrate the holiday by handing out big gifts and tough Ls. Merry Swishmas!”

Yes, this game will mark LeBron James’ historic 20th appearance on Christmas Day. But this time, the buzz isn’t about legacy or longevity. It’s about Luka Doncic, his health, and the subtle mind games that have the Rockets and NBA fans paying close attention.

Realistic timeline for Luka Doncic’s return

Saturday night tilted the Lakers‘ storyline as Luka Doncic absorbed a knee to his lower left leg late in the first half against the Clippers. He exited and never returned as the 103 -88 loss unfolded. The team later labeled it a calf contusion. He was already ruled out against Phoenix, marking a fourth absence tied to the same leg, though sources insist this knock stands separate from the one in October.

Officially, Doncic carries a day-to-day tag, with staff monitoring how his leg responds across upcoming practices. Contusions, unlike strains, typically clear up without prolonged rehabilitation. October offers context, when a similar issue sidelined him for three games.

Therefore, barring setbacks, a compact recovery window feels realistic. Roughly two to four games sit as the sensible projection, keeping expectations grounded yet cautiously optimistic in Los Angeles. That naturally leads to Christmas and the upcoming Rockets showcase.

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The Lakers face Phoenix before a brief pause ahead of the holiday slate — a narrow but valuable runway in a tightly packed Western Conference. Luka Dončić’s absence looms large. He’s averaging 34.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.8 assists, production that simply can’t be replicated by committee. Yet recent decisions suggest caution has taken precedence, and any final call is likely to come down to game day.

While the message from Luka’s camp is clear, his availability could swing the night and possibly the standings in either direction. Sitting third in the West, the Purple and Gold have their eyes set firmly on contention. But if Thursday’s balance shifts, Houston could quietly emerge as the thorn they never saw coming.