LeBron James It was announced after the Los Angeles Lakers' victory over the Golden State Warriors on Christmas that the holiday is returning to the NBA.
“I love the NFL, but Christmas is our day,” James said on the field after the game.
James backed away from his Who Owns Christmas announcement during a recent appearance on 'New heights“.
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Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James dribbles against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. (Photos by Kevin Gerage-Imagine)
“Listen, I saw the s—— numbers after the fact, you guys kicked us… okay? From a viewing standpoint, you all kicked our s–” James said.
NBA They had a great day, averaging 5.2 million viewers over their five Christmas games, the most on the holiday in five years, but the NFL dominated those numbers.
Netflix averaged 24.2 million viewers between the two NFL games At Christmas.
James said Beyoncé's performance during the first half helped the NFL have a good day, despite the uncompetitive games.
Beyoncé on a scaffold during halftime of the game between the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens, December 25, 2024. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
“You know, the games weren't as great as they should have been, but when you have f—– Beyoncé comes there. (Patrick) Mahomes “And Travis (Kelce) and you guys go out there, kicking Pittsburgh, and you know Beyoncé comes in there,” James said.
Lakers The star made the analogy between the NBA and the NFL like the fight between younger brother and older brother.
“But I, you know, when you went out with your little brother, and he got beat up once, he was like, 'Hey, we didn't lose that fight, we're here, standing here,' and 'We didn't lose,' that's how I felt it was,” James said, laughing. I have to stand up for the NBA.
With Christmas falling on a Thursday next year, there is a possibility that the NFL will have more than two games during the day as they continue to compete with the NBA for ratings on the holiday.
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Lakers forward LeBron James smiles after scoring against the Denver Nuggets, March 2, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrell)
The Lakers are 20-17 this season, and despite being 40 years old, James has been productive this season.
James averaged just under 24 points per game while grabbing just over 7.5 rebounds per game and averaging nearly nine assists per game.
The Lakers' next game will be at home vs Miami Heat 10pm ET on Wednesday.
Fox News' Ryan Morek contributed to this report.
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