Despite Los Angeles Lakers’ Loss, LeBron’s Legacy Grows
On a disappointing Christmas Day for LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, the veteran player extended his NBA Christmas Day games record to 20, despite a 96-119 defeat against the Houston Rockets.
LeBron James’ Storied Christmas Day Career
LeBron James’ Christmas Day legacy in the NBA has been building since 2003, when he was an 18-year-old rookie with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Now, at 40 with 23 seasons under his belt, he stands as the most iconic figure in Christmas Day games.
His record surpasses Kobe Bryant’s 16 Christmas Day appearances and ties him with Shaquille O’Neal, Dwyane Wade, and Kevin Durant, who each have 13. Interestingly, Durant also played on Christmas Day in 2025, but for the Rockets.
Performance in the 2025 Christmas Day Game
In this year’s game, LeBron played 32 minutes and 26 seconds, contributing 18 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block. His son Bronny also saw action against the Rockets, playing 3 minutes and 9 seconds, scoring only 3 points.
Impact of the Loss on LeBron’s Career
Although the loss tarnished the celebration of his 20 Christmas Day games, LeBron remains the statistical king of NBA Christmas Day games. He leads in games played (20), wins (11), points (525), rebounds (145), assists (142), and steals (30).
However, this year’s performance fell short of his own record set in 2021 when he scored 39 points in a Lakers loss to the Nets (115-122).
Speculation on LeBron’s Future in the NBA
Experts suggest that this might be LeBron’s last Christmas Day game in the NBA. Turning 41 soon and with a contract only for the 2025-26 season with the Lakers, his future remains shrouded in mystery. Whether he’ll renew or retire is unclear, potentially paving the way for his son Bronny.
Should LeBron decide to retire, it will be challenging for anyone in the near future to replace him as the NBA’s Christmas Day focal point.
Lakers’ Standing After the Loss
The Lakers now sit fifth in the Western Conference with a 19-10 record, trailing reigning champions Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets, and Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Rockets, led by Amen Thompson’s 26 points and Kevin Durant’s 25, are sixth with an 18-10 record.
Other Christmas Day Games in 2025
Five games were played on Christmas Day in 2025. Besides the Lakers’ loss to the Rockets, the New York Knicks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 126-124, the Spurs won against the Thunder 117-102, and the Golden State Warriors beat the Dallas Mavericks 126-116. The other match was between the Nuggets and Timberwolves.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is LeBron James? LeBron James is a veteran basketball player with 23 seasons in the NBA, currently playing for the Los Angeles Lakers.
- Why is LeBron James’ Christmas Day record significant? With 20 games played, LeBron has the most Christmas Day appearances in NBA history, surpassing other notable players like Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, Dwyane Wade, and Kevin Durant.
- What was the outcome of the 2025 Christmas Day game between Lakers and Rockets? The Houston Rockets won the game 119-96 against the Los Angeles Lakers.
- How did LeBron James perform in this game? Despite the loss, LeBron played 32 minutes and 26 seconds, contributing 18 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block.
- What are the implications of this loss for LeBron James’ career? While the loss marred his celebration of 20 Christmas Day games, it also signaled that his statistical dominance on this day might be waning. Speculation arises about whether this could be his last Christmas Day game in the NBA.
- How do the Lakers’ standings look after this loss? The Lakers are currently fifth in the Western Conference with a 19-10 record.
- What were the results of other Christmas Day games in 2025? Besides the Lakers vs. Rockets game, the New York Knicks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 126-124, the Spurs won against the Thunder 117-102, and the Golden State Warriors beat the Dallas Mavericks 126-116.
