The NBA unveiled part of its upcoming regular-season schedule, spotlighting the much-anticipated Christmas Day games. A highlight includes LeBron James and his new team, the Philadelphia 76ers, taking on his former club, the Los Angeles Lakers. This marks James’ record-setting 21st appearance in an NBA Christmas Day game.
James previously spent eight years with the Lakers, securing an NBA championship for the team in 2020. In Philadelphia, he strengthens an Eastern Conference contender that gained momentum by acquiring five-time All-Star and 2024 NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics.
The Lakers, on the other hand, have revamped their roster. They brought in Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz, forming a new “Big Three” with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. This offseason, Reaves secured a four-year, $180 million deal, cementing his role alongside Doncic.
Kessler’s addition addresses the Lakers’ long-standing need for a commanding center following Anthony Davis’ departure. He averaged 14.4 points and 10.8 rebounds per game last season with the Utah Jazz.
Philadelphia and Los Angeles clash at 5 p.m. ET, part of a five-game lineup on December 25. The first matchup features Victor Wembanyama’s San Antonio Spurs against the New York Knicks at 12 p.m. ET. Following that, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Miami Heat challenge the Boston Celtics at 2:30 p.m. ET, and the Oklahoma City Thunder face the Minnesota Timberwolves at 8 p.m. ET. Ending the evening, the Denver Nuggets take on the Golden State Warriors at 10:30 p.m. ET.
All Christmas Day games will be broadcast on ABC and ESPN, offering a full day of NBA excitement.