LeBron James and Steph Curry Deliver Another Classic on Christmas Day

SAN FRANCISCO – Christmas Day basketball once again provided a stage for two of the NBA’s greatest stars, LeBron James and Stephen Curry, to showcase their dominance. James led the Los Angeles Lakers to a thrilling 115-113 victory over the Golden State Warriors, cementing his place as the league’s all-time leader in Christmas Day wins with his 11th victory in 19 appearances.

When asked what continues to make the league special, James replied with a smile: “LeBron and Steph.”

Nearly a decade after their first clash in the NBA Finals and days before James’s 40th birthday, the two legends proved they are as formidable as ever.

A Masterclass in Greatness

LeBron James spearheaded the Lakers’ win with a stellar performance, scoring 31 points, shooting 12-of-22 from the field, and dishing out 10 assists while committing only one turnover. Despite losing teammate Anthony Davis early in the game due to a left ankle sprain, James carried the team to victory.

On the other side, Steph Curry put on a shooting clinic, finishing with a game-high 38 points, including a dramatic 31-foot three-pointer to tie the game with just 7.6 seconds remaining. Curry scored 17 of his points in the fourth quarter, nearly leading the Warriors to a comeback after trailing by 10 points in the final period.

Anthony Davis Exits, But Lakers Persevere

The Lakers faced adversity when Davis left the game midway through the second quarter after his shoe caught on the court during a defensive play, causing him to sprain his left ankle. Though Davis did not return, he later assured ESPN, “I’ll be fine. I’ll play Saturday” when the Lakers face the Sacramento Kings.

Despite Davis’s absence, the Lakers-Warriors matchup remained a high-stakes battle, continuing a strong lineup of Christmas Day games that included standout performances across the league.

Christmas Day Basketball Reigns Supreme

This year’s Christmas Day slate was packed with drama, from Mikal Bridges dropping 41 points to lift the New York Knicks over the San Antonio Spurs, to Victor Wembanyama’s incredible 42-point, 18-rebound outing in the loss. Other highlights included the Dallas Mavericks’ intense comeback effort against the Minnesota Timberwolves, led by 23-year-old star Anthony Edwards, and the Philadelphia 76ers upsetting the Boston Celtics with 60 combined points from Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid.

LeBron James summed it up best during his post-game interview with ESPN’s Lisa Salters: “I love the NFL, but Christmas is our day.”

While the NFL also held games on Christmas – including the Kansas City Chiefs defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens outscoring the Houston Texans – basketball remains the highlight of the holiday for many fans.

Mutual Respect and Legacy

When informed of James’s declaration, Curry agreed, stating, “That’s a good answer. Basketball is what I’ve been watching all day. All five games. It’s an honor to be part of this tradition and play in such high-profile situations.”

Reflecting on their years of competition, Curry shared his appreciation for facing off against James: “The competitive spirit, the history, his greatness—it’s incredible that in 2024, we’re still doing this. These games are always compelling, must-watch events.”

While Curry expressed disappointment in the loss, he acknowledged the significance of their rivalry. “You don’t know how many more opportunities you’ll get to play on a stage like this. That’s why it stings a bit more to lose, but these moments are special.”

A Rivalry That Endures

As both stars continue to perform at an elite level, their matchups remain a hallmark of the NBA. LeBron James and Steph Curry, two of the most iconic players of their generation, proved once again why their legacies are cemented in the annals of basketball history.

Their Christmas Day clash is a testament to their enduring greatness and the excitement they bring to the sport, making basketball fans everywhere grateful for their continued brilliance.