LeBron James Set for Record-Breaking 20th Christmas Day Game as Lakers Host Rockets
Christmas Day basketball is one of the NBA’s most cherished traditions, and once again, LeBron James will be right at the center of it. The Lakers are set to host the Houston Rockets at Crypto.com Arena in what will be LeBron’s 20th Christmas Day appearance - extending a record he already owns.
That’s two full decades of holiday hoops for the four-time MVP, a milestone that speaks volumes about both his longevity and his enduring star power. Last season, James broke the previous record with his 19th Christmas appearance, squaring off against longtime rival Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors. This year, it’s another marquee matchup, this time against Kevin Durant and a rising Rockets squad led by Alperen Sengun.
After the Lakers’ recent loss to the Clippers, James was asked about the significance of playing on Christmas yet again. The exchange was classic LeBron - a mix of candor, humor, and perspective.
When asked why Christmas basketball still matters to him after all these years, James initially responded with a bit of playful pushback: “Still important to me?” he said, before the reporter clarified, “Why does it matter?”
“Yeah, okay, that's a better question,” James said with a laugh.
“I'd much rather be at home with my family,” he admitted. “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. It's always been an honor to play it.
“Obviously, I'm gonna be completely honest, I would like to be home on the couch with my family all throughout the day. But our number is called, so we have to go out and perform and I look forward to it.”
LeBron James on playing his NBA-record 20th Christmas Day game this week:
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) December 22, 2025
“I'd much rather be at home with my family. 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… pic.twitter.com/lo85glVwPk
It’s a sentiment that resonates. For players, Christmas Day games are both a privilege and a responsibility - a spotlight reserved for the league’s biggest names and most compelling matchups. And no one has owned that stage quite like LeBron.
He already leads all players in career Christmas Day scoring with 507 points - that’s 112 more than the late Kobe Bryant, who played in 16 Christmas games himself. Beyond the scoring, LeBron ranks second in assists and steals, fifth in rebounds, and seventh in blocks on Christmas Day. In short, he hasn’t just shown up - he’s delivered, year after year.
This year’s Christmas slate is stacked from top to bottom. It kicks off with the Cavaliers visiting the Knicks at Madison Square Garden, followed by the Thunder hosting the Spurs in a battle of rising Western Conference talent.
The third game features Luka Dončić and the Mavericks taking on the Warriors, before the Lakers and Rockets hit the floor in primetime. The night wraps up with the defending champion Denver Nuggets hosting the Timberwolves in what could be a playoff preview.
As for LeBron, he’s been steady since returning from a bout with sciatica, averaging 20.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 7.1 assists over his last 11 games. He’s shooting 48 percent from the field and 28.3 percent from beyond the arc - not vintage LeBron numbers, but still impactful, especially considering the mileage on his 38-year-old frame.
Come Christmas night, all eyes will once again be on No. 23.
And while he might rather be home on the couch with his family, you can bet he’ll be ready when the lights come on. Because for LeBron James, Christmas basketball isn’t just tradition - it’s legacy.