LeBron James Shares His Straight-Talking Thoughts on Christmas Day Games
LeBron James recently shared how he really feels about playing an NBA game on Christmas Day.
In just a few days, people around the world will be gathering with their families to exchange presents and enjoy a festive meal. In the UK, most sports take a break on Christmas so athletes can have some time off during the busy holiday season.
But that’s not the case in the NBA. This year, six teams are set to play on Christmas Day. Before their big game, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James gave an honest interview about what it’s like to play on this special day.
On December 26, in the early hours, the Lakers will face Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets in their second game in just 48 hours. Since the game starts at 5 PM local time in LA on December 25, players will be competing right in the middle of Christmas Day.
For LeBron, this will be his 20th Christmas Day game, breaking the NBA record for the most games played on December 25. When asked about playing on a day usually spent celebrating, he said, “I’d much rather be at home with my family.”
“But it’s the game I love,” he added. “I watched basketball on Christmas as a kid, seeing some of the greatest players compete. It’s always been an honor to play on Christmas. Honestly, I wish I could be on the couch with my family all day, but when our number is called, we have to perform, and I’m ready for it.”
Even though he prefers to be with family, LeBron has become a big part of Christmas Day basketball throughout his career, playing almost every year since he started, with just one missed game in 2006.
In his 19 Christmas Day games so far, he holds the records for the most wins (11-8), the most points (507), steals (32), and field goals made (180) on Christmas.