LeBron James admits he’d rather have the couch and his family than the Christmas show

LeBron James is the player with the most Christmas Day experience in NBA history. This year he will reach his 20th game, a record that cements his place as one of the league’s central figures. Yet the Lakers forward confessed that, while he has always considered it an honor to play, he also feels the weight of not sharing that day with his loved ones.

The veteran explained that he hasn’t spent Christmas with his family in two decades. For LeBron James, that absence is hard to ignore, even though he understands the league needs him on a stage millions of fans expect every year.

Commitment to the fans

LeBron James made it clear that, despite his personal wishes, playing on Christmas is part of his responsibility to the fans. He recalled watching the greats perform on that day as a kid, and now it’s his turn to keep the tradition alive.

LeBron James on playing his NBA-record 20th Christmas Day game this week:

“I’d much rather be at home with my family. But I mean, it’s the game, it’s the game that I love. It’s a game I watched when I was a kid on Christmas Day, watching a lot of the greatest play the game on… pic.twitter.com/lo85glVwPk

— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) December 22, 2025

On December 25, LeBron James and the Lakers will host Kevin Durant and the Rockets in a matchup that promises plenty of drama in the West. It will be the first Christmas clash between James and Durant since 2018.

Records that keep growing

The King doesn’t just show up, he dominates. LeBron James is the all-time Christmas Day leader in points (507), games played (19), field goals made (180), and he shares the three-point record with James Harden (31). He also owns 11 wins on the holiday stage.

According to Sportingnews, the forward ranks second in assists (137, behind Oscar Robertson) and steals (28, just two shy of Russell Westbrook). Every Christmas game gives James another chance to expand those numbers.

An uncertain future

LeBron James is in the final year of his Lakers contract, and his future remains unclear. That’s why there’s a chance this could be his last Christmas Day appearance. Even if he doesn’t retire immediately, the 23-year veteran knows there aren’t many holiday games left.

The message is simple: enjoy every Christmas performance from LeBron James, because even legends know time never stops.