LeBron James to Face Former Team Lakers in Christmas Day NBA Matchup

The NBA released part of its regular-season schedule, highlighting the Christmas Day matchups. A notable game features LeBron James and his new team, the Philadelphia 76ers. They will take on his former team, the Los Angeles Lakers.

This game marks James’ 21st appearance in an NBA Christmas Day game. It is significant as he returns to face the Lakers, the team he spent eight years with and won an NBA championship in 2020.

Now with the Philadelphia 76ers, James joins a strong team further boosted by acquiring five-time All-Star and 2024 NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics.

On the Lakers’ side, changes include a trade with the Utah Jazz for Walker Kessler. He joins the starting lineup along with superstars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, forming a new “Big Three.” This season marks the start of the “Doncic era” in Los Angeles. Reaves secured a four-year, $180 million deal in July, affirming his position alongside Doncic.

Kessler’s addition addresses the Lakers’ past challenges at the center position, following their trade of Anthony Davis. Kessler brings experience, having averaged 14.4 points and 10.8 rebounds per game last season with the Jazz.

The 76ers versus Lakers matchup is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET on December 25. It’s part of a day filled with exciting NBA games. The action begins at noon ET with the San Antonio Spurs, led by Victor Wembanyama, facing off against the New York Knicks in Madison Square Garden, a rematch of a previous NBA Finals.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Miami Heat will play the Boston Celtics at 2:30 p.m. ET. The Oklahoma City Thunder will meet the Minnesota Timberwolves at 8 p.m. ET. The day concludes with a 10:30 p.m. ET game between the Denver Nuggets and the Golden State Warriors.

All Christmas Day games will be broadcast on ABC and ESPN, offering basketball fans a full day of exciting matchups.