There is no Christmas Day in the NBA without LeBron James.
The King first made his debut on the league's most festive day as an 18-year-old rookie back in 2003. In the two decades, since he's appeared in 16 consecutive Christmas Day games.
If you were wondering, yes, that's the most ever. James broke a tie with Lakers legend Kobe Bryant last season for the most games played on the holiday. The active player with the next-most Christmas Day appearances is Clippers guard Russell Westbrook with 12.
With the amount of Christmas Day games he's played, you probably won't be surprised to hear that James has had a number of big performances and memorable moments.
WATCH: Stream the NBA's Christmas Day games on Sling TV
LeBron James stats on Christmas Day
The Lakers' matchup with the Celtics on Dec. 25, 2023, will be the 18th time James has played on Christmas Day.
Here are his stats on Christmas Day entering the matchup:
- 27.1 points per game
- 7.6 rebounds per game
- 7.0 assists per game
- 1.5 steals per game
- 0.7 blocks per game
- 3.6 turnovers per game
- 49.5 field goal percentage
- 28.6 3-point percentage
- 68.8 free throw percentage
What's the most points LeBron James has scored on Christmas Day?
The most points James has scored on Christmas Day is 39. It came in a 122-115 loss to the Nets on Dec. 25, 2021. He shot 14-for-25 from the field, 3-for-9 from 3-point range and 8-for-9 from the free throw line.
In addition to his 39 points, James finished with nine rebounds, seven assists, three steals and one block.
James had his second-highest-scoring game on the holiday in 2022 when he posted 38 points.
Has LeBron James had a triple-double on Christmas Day?
James has recorded one triple-double on Christmas Day.
On Dec. 25, 2010, James led the Heat to a win over the Lakers with 27 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. It's one of only 13 triple-doubles that have ever been recorded on the holiday.
What's LeBron James' record on Christmas Day?
James has played in 17 games on Christmas Day. His record in those contests is 10-7.
James has lost three of his last four Christmas Day games, including two in a row to the Nets and Mavericks.
Date | Opponent | Result |
2003 | at Magic | L, 113-101 (OT) |
2007 | vs. Heat | W, 96-82 |
2008 | vs. Wizards | W, 93-89 |
2009 | at Lakers | W, 102-87 |
2010 | at Lakers | W, 96-80 |
2011 | at Mavericks | W, 105-94 |
2012 | vs. Thunder | W, 103-97 |
2013 | at Lakers | W, 101-95 |
2014 | at Heat | L, 101-91 |
2015 | at Warriors | L, 89-83 |
2016 | vs. Warriors | W, 109-108 |
2017 | at Warriors | L, 99-92 |
2018 | at Warriors | W, 127-101 |
2019 | vs. Clippers | L, 111-106 |
2020 | vs. Mavericks | W, 138-115 |
2021 | vs. Nets | L, 122-115 |
2022 | at Mavericks | L, 124-115 |
LeBron James career highs on Christmas Day
- Points: 39 (vs. Nets, 2021)
- Rebounds: 13 (vs. Warriors, 2016; at Warriors, 2018)
- Assists: 12 (vs. Heat, 2007)
- Steals: 4 (at Lakers, 2010)
- Blocks: 2 (at Mavericks, 2011; at Warriors, 2015)
- Field goals made: 14 (vs. Nets, 2021)
- 3-pointers made: 5 (at Lakers, 2010)
- Free throws made: 15 (at Mavericks, 2011)
- Turnovers: 8 (at Magic, 2003)
LeBron James Christmas Day records
In addition to playing the most games on Christmas Day, James holds the record for total minutes, points, field goals, 3-point attempts and free throw attempts on the holiday.
- Games played: 17
- Minutes: 641
- Points: 460
- Field goals made: 163
- 3-point attempts: 98
- Free throw attempts: 154
James also ranks second in assists (119), second in steals (26), second in 3-pointers made (28), second in free throws made (106), second in turnovers (62), seventh in rebounds (130) and seventh in blocks (12).