When it comes to Christmas Day basketball, no one has logged more miles under the bright lights than LeBron James. This year, the Lakers' superstar forward is set to make his record 20th appearance on December 25 - a milestone that speaks to both his longevity and his place in the league’s marquee moments. But while the tradition is iconic, LeBron’s feelings about it are refreshingly honest.
“I'd much rather be at home with my family,” James admitted when asked about suiting up on Christmas. “But I mean, it's the game, it's the game that I love. It's a game I watched when I was a kid on Christmas Day, watching a lot of the greatest play the game on Christmas.”
There’s no denying the honor of being chosen for the NBA’s holiday spotlight - it’s a stage reserved for the league’s biggest stars and most compelling matchups. And LeBron, ever the competitor, understands the responsibility that comes with it. “Our number is called, so we have to go out and perform and I look forward to it,” he added.
Still, for a player who hasn’t spent Christmas Day at home in two decades, the personal sacrifice is real. That tension - between family time and professional obligation - is something James has balanced for years. And yet, he continues to answer the call, year after year, game after game.
This season, the Lakers will host Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets in a matchup loaded with playoff implications and star power. It’s a rare holiday meeting between James and Durant - the first since 2018 - and it adds another chapter to their long-running rivalry. Both teams are in the thick of the Western Conference race, and the spotlight will be burning bright at Crypto.com Arena.
For LeBron, the game also presents an opportunity to extend his already staggering list of Christmas Day records. He’s the all-time leader in:
- Points scored (507)
- Games played (19)
- Field goals made (180)
- Three-pointers made (tied with James Harden at 31)
- Wins (11)
He’s also within striking distance of a couple more:
- Assists (137, just eight shy of Oscar Robertson’s 145)
- Steals (28, two behind Russell Westbrook’s 30)
That’s not just impressive - it’s historic. LeBron hasn’t just played on Christmas; he’s owned the day in ways no one else has. His performances have become part of the NBA’s holiday fabric, a tradition fans have come to expect and celebrate.
But here’s the thing: this could be one of the last times we see LeBron take the floor on December 25. He’s in the final year of his current contract with the Lakers, and while there’s always a chance he returns, nothing is guaranteed. After 23 seasons, the finish line is at least visible - even if it’s not quite in reach.
So when LeBron steps onto the court this Christmas, take a moment to appreciate the full scope of it. Not just the stats, not just the spectacle, but the commitment - to the game, to the fans, and to the legacy he’s still building. Because whether this is his last Christmas Day game or not, there aren’t many more of them left.
And as always, when LeBron’s number is called, he shows up.