LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers have a storied history of remarkable performances on Christmas Day, solidifying their legacy in NBA holiday matchups.
LeBron James’ Christmas Day Achievements:
All-Time Leading Scorer: In 2021, LeBron surpassed Kobe Bryant to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer on Christmas Day, amassing over 422 points in his Christmas Day appearances.
Triple-Double Performance (2010): While playing for the Miami Heat, LeBron recorded a triple-double with 27 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists in a 96-80 victory against the Los Angeles Lakers, marking one of the standout Christmas Day performances.
Iconic Lakers Duo – Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal:
Kobe Bryant’s Scoring Feats: Kobe consistently delivered on Christmas Day, with his highest-scoring game in 2007 where he tallied 38 points and seven assists, leading the Lakers to a 122-115 win over the Phoenix Suns.
Shaq vs. Kobe Showdown (2004): The 2004 Christmas Day game featured the first meeting between former teammates Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal as opponents, drawing significant attention and becoming a memorable moment in NBA history.
These performances highlight the significant impact LeBron James and the Lakers have had on Christmas Day games, contributing to the NBA’s rich holiday tradition.
For a visual recap of the Lakers’ recent Christmas Day victory over the Warriors, you can watch the following highlight:
