The Los Angeles Lakers won over the Golden State Warriors in a thrilling 115-113 Christmas Day game, but the victory wasn’t just about basketball.

Lakers star LeBron James, a longtime NFL fan, used the spotlight to deliver a clear message about the NBA’s stake in the holiday tradition.

“I love the NFL, but Christmas is our day,” James told ABC’s broadcast team after the game as shared by Celtics Muse on X. The sentiment echoes the NBA’s rich history of Christmas Day matchups, dating back to the league’s early years.

The NBA has hosted games every December 25 since 1947, with only one exception during its inaugural season.

Meanwhile, the NFL’s Christmas Day presence has been sporadic until the past five years, where the league began scheduling games more consistently, leveraging its massive fan base to capture holiday viewership.

LeBron James: “I love the NFL but Christmas is our day.” pic.twitter.com/1eluSSSjva — CelticsMuse (@CelticsMuse) December 26, 2024

This year, the NFL hosted two games on Christmas, both resulting in blowouts, but still drawing significant ratings. However, the NBA offered high-stakes drama.

The Lakers’ game featured a game-winning layup by Austin Reaves, overshadowing Steph Curry’s clutch three-pointer just moments earlier.

The excitement was mirrored in other NBA matchups, with close finishes by the New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Philadelphia 76ers.

The Lakers’ win and James’ bold statement remind fans that the NBA isn’t relinquishing its claim to Christmas.

With memorable moments like this year’s matchups, the league proves it still holds a special place during the holiday season, offering thrilling entertainment that resonates with basketball enthusiasts worldwide.