LeBron: Christmas belongs to the NBA

LeBron James was in no doubt as to what makes the NBA special after playing a starring role alongside Steph Curry in the Los Angeles Lakers 115-113 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day.

James became the NBA's all-time leader in Christmas Day victories less than a week before his 40th birthday and when quizzed about the reasons why it remains so special, he gave a humorous response.

"LeBron and Steph [Curry]," James said with a grin.

James was the Lakers' top point scorer with 31 on 12-for-22 shooting and 10 assists, with one turnover. The 39-year-old was needed, with Anthony Davis having sprained his left ankle in the first quarter after his sneaker got caught on the court.

While Davis later declared himself fit to play against the Sacramento Kings at the weekend, he did not return to the court following his injury.

Curry, meanwhile, scored 38 points for the Warriors, with 17 of those coming in the fourth quarter. Curry had tied the score with 7.6 seconds remaining after he sunk a 31-foot 3-pointer.

Following the thriller, James took a jovial shot at the NFL, who also schedule festive fixtures, declaring that Christmas belongs to the NBA.

"I love the NFL, but Christmas is our day," said James.

& to all a goodnight pic.twitter.com/2Suvk8cKHa

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) December 26, 2024

Curry was in agreement with James, against whom he had just played his fourth Christmas Day game.

"That's a good answer," he said when told about James' comments.

"Basketball; I've been watching it since I woke up this morning. All five games. I'm probably going to watch the second half of the Phoenix-Nuggets game and I know our game stood out, so, you feel privileged to be in those types of situations, for sure.

"It's always a blast. Like the competitive spirit, the history, his greatness. It allows me to just appreciate all that we've been through, all the battles back and forth and the fact that in 2024 we're still doing it.

"Somehow, the games are pretty electric and kind of a must-see TV situation. I love it. ... You don't know how many opportunities you'll get to do it on this type of stage. So you kind of relish in it.

"That's why it sucked so much to lose, just because these are kind of those moments that matter a little bit more."