Overview
- The Lakers host the Rockets and Kevin Durant at Crypto.com Arena on Dec. 25 in the penultimate game of the NBA’s holiday slate.
- This is James’ 20th Christmas appearance, and he already leads the day in career points (507) and several other cumulative categories.
- Speaking after a loss to the Clippers, James said he’d rather be with family on Christmas but called playing on the day an honor and an obligation.
- The remarks have renewed media speculation about his timeline, though there has been no change to his playing status or contract as he nears his 41st birthday.
- Agent Rich Paul defended James’ comments in a podcast appearance as fans debated them online, and the matchup marks the first James–Durant Christmas meeting since 2018.