While Christmas is often seen as the season of giving, LeBron James was in no mood to share the spotlight on Wednesday, sending a holiday-themed warning shot directed at the NFL after the Los Angeles Lakers’ thrilling 115-113 victory over the Golden State Warriors.
The game, which saw James and the Lakers fend off a fierce challenge from Warriors star Steph Curry, featured a jaw-dropping performance from both players. Curry finished with 38 points, including two spectacular three-pointers to tie the game in the final seconds.
But it was James who had the final word, contributing 31 points and 10 assists, while Austin Reaves sealed the game with a game-winning layup.
Following the game, James sat down for a postgame interview with ESPN’s Lisa Salters. In a lighthearted moment that quickly turned into a pointed message, James ended the interview with a succinct declaration:
“I love the NFL,” said James. “I love the NFL. But Christmas is our day.”
The NBA’s Christmas Tradition
James’ statement wasn’t just a playful jab—it underscored the longstanding tradition of the NBA dominating Christmas Day, a day the league has reserved for marquee matchups since 1947, just two years into its existence. The NBA has become synonymous with Christmas Day basketball, with fans eagerly tuning in each year to watch top teams and superstar players like James and Curry square off in highly anticipated games.
In contrast, the NFL had long avoided scheduling games on Christmas Day. Between 2000 and 2019, the NFL played on Dec. 25 just nine times. However, in recent years, the NFL has made a concerted effort to compete with the NBA’s dominance of the holiday by scheduling games on Christmas. This marks the fifth consecutive year the NFL has placed games on Dec. 25, hoping to capture a share of the holiday sports audience.
NBA vs. NFL on Christmas
While the NFL’s holiday games have become a regular fixture, this year’s showdown between the NBA and NFL appeared to be a decisive victory for basketball. Based on fan reactions and social media sentiment, it’s clear that James and the NBA reigned supreme on Christmas Day.
The thrilling Lakers-Warriors game captivated viewers and was a highlight of the holiday sports landscape.
In contrast, the NFL’s two Christmas Day games were somewhat underwhelming, with both contests resulting in blowouts. The only saving grace for football came in the form of a memorable halftime performance by Beyoncé, which provided some entertainment during the otherwise lopsided matchups.
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LeBron’s Message Resounds
For LeBron James, his message was clear: Christmas belongs to the NBA. As the face of the league and a player with global influence, James’ words carry weight, particularly when it comes to the competition between the NBA and NFL for holiday dominance.
Despite the NFL’s recent efforts to carve out its own niche on Christmas, the NBA’s tradition of thrilling matchups, star-studded performances, and festive atmosphere continues to reign supreme. With players like James and Curry lighting up the court, it’s clear that for many fans, Christmas Day is synonymous with basketball.
As the NBA continues to shine on the holiday, James’ bold declaration serves as a reminder of just how powerful the league’s Christmas Day games have become—a time for fans to enjoy some of the best basketball the sport has to offer, with no competition in sight.
