LeBron James added another record to his illustrious career as the Los Angeles Lakers clinched a 115-113 win over the Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day in San Francisco.
The victory made him the NBA’s all-time leader in Christmas Day wins with his 11th triumph in 19 appearances.
The Lakers secured the historic win despite an early setback when star big man Anthony Davis exited the game just eight minutes in after twisting his left ankle.
LeBron James, undeterred by the loss of his teammate, stepped up with a commanding 31-point performance to guide his team to victory.
“It’s always difficult to play without AD, so I guess our job is even more heightened. Everyone has to chip in, especially on the defensive end because AD is our anchor,” James said.
”I thought guys did a great job of just playing off one another, getting to where we wanted offensively, and also buckling down for timely stops against a really good offensive team.”
Austin Reaves Delivers in the Clutch
Despite the absence of Davis, the Lakers controlled the game for most of the night, holding a 109-100 lead with just 90 seconds remaining.
However, the Warriors, led by a sensational Stephen Curry, launched a furious comeback.
Curry, who finished with a game-high 38 points and tied the NBA Christmas Day record with eight three-pointers, scored eight points in the final stretch, including two clutch threes with 12.2 and 7.6 seconds left, to tie the game at 113-113.
But as the clock wound down, it was Austin Reaves who had the final say. Driving to the basket with just one second remaining, Reaves delivered a game-winning layup to secure the Lakers’ victory.
Reaves capped off the festive night with a triple-double, recording 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists.
Elsewhere on Christmas Day
While LeBron made history, other NBA stars provided their own festive fireworks:
– Victor Wembanyama’s Monster Debut Falls Short:
On his first Christmas Day appearance, rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama delivered a jaw-dropping 42 points, 18 rebounds, four assists, and four blocks for the San Antonio Spurs.
Despite his heroics, the Spurs fell 117-114 to the New York Knicks. Mikal Bridges led the Knicks with a season-high 41 points, the second-most by a Knicks player on Christmas Day, behind Bernard King’s legendary 60-point effort in 1984.
– Minnesota Beats Dallas Amid Doncic Injury:
Anthony Edwards scored 26 points to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 105-99 victory over the Dallas Mavericks.
The Mavericks were dealt a major blow when Luka Doncic exited the game with a calf strain late in the second quarter, leaving Dallas without their star for the second half.
The King’s Christmas Legacy
LeBron James’ historic 11th Christmas Day win further cements his legacy as one of the NBA’s greatest.
At 39 years old, James continues to defy Father Time with dominant performances, leading the Lakers through adversity and inspiring his teammates to rise to the occasion.
