- LeBron James has appeared in more Christmas Day games (19) than any player and will play his 20th in 2025.
- He holds the record for most Christmas wins (11) and most Christmas points (507).
- Standout holiday performances include a 34-point rookie debut (2003), a 2010 triple-double, and a 31-point, 10-assist outing in 2024.
H2: LeBron’s Christmas Day record and key stats
LeBron James has become synonymous with the NBA’s Christmas slate. As of 2025 he has played in 19 previous Christmas Day games — the most in league history — and is set to make his 20th appearance when the Los Angeles Lakers host the Houston Rockets. His career Christmas resume includes an 11-8 record and 507 total points, the most scored by any player on the holiday.
H3: Why Christmas matters to LeBron and the NBA
LeBron acknowledged he’d prefer to spend holidays at home but called Christmas games an honor: the event showcases marquee matchups and often pits him against the league’s best. For fans, Holiday games are part of NBA tradition — and LeBron has repeatedly delivered big moments on that stage.
H3: Most memorable Christmas performances
H4: 2003 — Rookie debut: Cavaliers at Magic
LeBron announced himself on the big stage as an 18-year-old, scoring 34 points in his first Christmas Day game. Despite Cleveland’s loss to Tracy McGrady’s 41 points, the night marked the arrival of a future superstar.
H4: 2009 — Cavs at Lakers (vs. Kobe Bryant)
In a high-profile LeBron-vs.-Kobe matchup at Staples Center, James finished with 26 points and nine assists while the Cavaliers upset the Lakers 102-87. It was a defining moment in a season-long conversation about who was the NBA’s top player.
H4: 2010 — Heat at Lakers (first Christmas triple-double)
In his first Christmas with Miami, LeBron recorded his first holiday triple-double, guiding the Heat to a 96-80 win. His all-around game — scoring, rebounding and playmaking — helped silence the defending champion Lakers.
H4: 2015 — Cavs at Warriors
Six months after the Warriors swept the Cavs in the Finals, James put up 25 points and nine rebounds in a tight, low-scoring Christmas contest at Oracle Arena. Golden State prevailed 89-83, but the matchup foreshadowed the dramatic rematches to come.
H4: 2020 — Mavericks at Lakers
Against Luka Dončić and the Mavericks, LeBron paced the Lakers with 22 points and 10 assists in a 138-115 win. The performance doubled as a reminder that LeBron remained a top playmaker even deep into his career.
H4: 2024 — Warriors at Lakers (record-setting win)
On his 19th Christmas appearance, LeBron had 31 points and 10 assists in a 115-113 win over Golden State. The victory — sealed by an Austin Reaves layup in the final second — gave LeBron the most Christmas wins in NBA history (11).
H2: Where to watch and follow
LeBron will take the floor again on Christmas Day 2025 for the Lakers vs. Rockets game. For highlights and social reactions, see these embedded posts: NBA History tweet (https://twitter.com/NBAHistory/status/1342859884635840518) and NBA’s Christmas highlight (https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1872123698901360916).
LeBron’s Christmas legacy blends big numbers, signature moments and longevity. His holiday performances remain a must-watch staple on the NBA calendar.
Image Referance: https://www.nba.com/news/the-athletic-what-are-lebron-james-most-memorable-christmas-day-performances
