The holiday battle between the NBA and NFL continues, and LeBron James isn’t backing down. After leading the Lakers to a thrilling victory over the Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day, James made his stance clear: the holiday belongs to basketball.
“I love the NFL. I love the NFL. But Christmas is our day,” LeBron said during a postgame interview.
For decades, the NBA has owned December 25th, showcasing marquee matchups and creating unforgettable holiday memories for basketball fans. But in recent years, the NFL has made a bold move to share the spotlight.
The NFL’s Growing Presence
The NFL’s Christmas Day games began last year when the holiday fell on a Monday. Previously, the league avoided scheduling games on Christmas if it landed on a Tuesday or Wednesday. However, after delivering strong ratings in 2022, the NFL decided to make Christmas Day football a tradition, regardless of the day of the week.
This year, the NFL doubled down by airing two Christmas games on Netflix, complete with a star-studded halftime performance by Beyoncé, cementing its bid to claim a piece of the holiday pie.
LeBron’s Holiday Memories
For LeBron, the NBA’s Christmas tradition is more than just a day of games—it’s a legacy. He also expressed disappointment over the absence of special holiday uniforms, a staple that used to make Christmas games feel extra festive.
“Not having Xmas day unis anymore really sucks!” James tweeted before the game. “That was a great feeling walking into the locker room and seeing those. It was literally like receiving a [present]! Whomp whomp!”
A Holiday Tradition Worth Preserving
While the NFL’s ratings may be impressive, LeBron’s comments reflect a sentiment shared by many basketball fans: Christmas and the NBA are inseparable. For decades, the league has delivered iconic matchups, unforgettable moments, and a unique sense of holiday cheer.
With both leagues now competing for viewers, it remains to be seen how the holiday sports landscape will evolve. But for LeBron James and basketball purists, Christmas will always belong to the NBA.
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