In what seems like a never-ending Christmas tradition, LeBron James is gearing up for his 19th consecutive year of playing NBA basketball on Christmas Day. This year marks his 19th overall appearance on this special day, a feat that truly showcases his enduring presence in the league.
Unfortunately for LeBron, he has become synonymous with Christmas Day basketball. As one observer keenly noted, “Here’s a chart to put it in perspective.” Indeed, LeBron has made a lasting impact on the holiday season, with his teams – the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers – gracing the TV screens on 17 consecutive Christmases.
This will be the 10th Christmas that LeBron will wake up in a hotel room, a testament to his dedication to the game. It’s intriguing to note that he has played 11 Christmas away games, with a memorable return to Miami in 2014 after leaving the Heat. Additionally, his recent move to Los Angeles may have been influenced by the league’s consistent scheduling of holiday games in the city.
Throughout his illustrious career, LeBron has faced off against or played for the Lakers six times on Christmas Day. This upcoming game will mark his 11th Christmas in California, despite spending the majority of his early years in Cleveland and Miami. The holiday season has truly become synonymous with LeBron James.
The silver lining this year is the possibility of LeBron spending the entire day with his oldest son, Bronny James, who was drafted by the Lakers in the second round. This heartwarming opportunity could mark the first time in almost two decades that LeBron gets to celebrate Christmas with his son.
Looking ahead, there is speculation about LeBron’s future on Christmas Day games. If he continues playing into the 2025-26 season and is scheduled for yet another Christmas game, there are suggestions that his other children – Bryce, Zhuri, and Savannah – could join him on the court with 10-day contracts, a thoughtful nod to his family ties.
As basketball fans gear up for another Christmas Day game featuring LeBron James, it’s clear that his absence in the future will leave a void not only in the NBA’s schedule but also in every sports fan’s holiday season. For almost two decades, LeBron has been a staple of Christmas Day basketball, and his impact will surely be felt for years to come.
