The NBA released its full slate of games on Christmas Day for the 2026-27 campaign. Fans can tune in to ABC and ESPN to watch five star-studded matchups throughout the day, starting at 12 p.m. ET.
One of the most intriguing games takes place in Los Angeles, as the Philadelphia 76ers take on the Los Angeles Lakers at 5 p.m. ET.
76ers-Lakers Clash Means LeBron James Faces Bronny James
LeBron James spent eight seasons with the Lakers before signing with the 76ers as a free agent this summer. This meant leaving Bronny James behind in Los Angeles, as he enters his third NBA season.
LeBron expressed interest in playing with his son for years before the Lakers drafted him with the No. 55 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. They were the first father-son duo to play together in league history, and now, barring injuries, will make history as the first to compete against one another in a few months.
The NBA world is certainly excited to witness this family affair. While Bronny will not guard his father as his primary matchup, any time they switch onto each other, it will be must-see TV. Damien Peters, senior NBA writer and analyst for the Basketball Network, emphasized how special this game could be for LeBron.
“LeBron calling for a switch onto his son on NBA Christmas Day is a present I’m not sure any dad has ever had the opportunity to give,” wrote Peters.
LeBron calling for a switch onto his son on NBA Christmas Day is a present I’m not sure any dad has ever had the opportunity to give.
— Damien Peters (@DamienPetersNBA) August 11, 2026
Sports betting company Onyx Odds does not give Bronny much of a chance in stopping the 22-time All-Star from dominating the game. The organization posted the Wesley Snipes crying meme under “LeBron dropping 40 on Bronny after giving him Christmas presents that morning.”
ESPN’s Sam Block thinks “LeBron [versus] Bronny on NBA Christmas Day is by far the greatest matchup in NBA history.”
LeBron vs Bronny on NBA Christmas Day is by far the greatest matchup in NBA history.
— Sam Block (@theblockspot) August 11, 2026
The family dynamic might take over the headlines, but both of these teams have superstars to make this an entertaining game. Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves will be playing against their former teammate, as well as Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, and Joel Embiid. LeBron returning to Los Angeles alone will be a big storyline.
Lakers insider Anthony F. Irwin is especially interested in how Lakers fans welcome back the future Hall of Famer.
“Really curious how fans are going to react to LeBron’s return. A lot of the season will have taken place by Christmas, and I feel like both teams’ records are going to play a role. Also, kind of nice LeBron and Bronny get to be together for Christmas,” he wrote on X.
Really curious how fans are going to react to LeBron’s return. A lot of the season will have taken place by Christmas and I feel like both teams’ records are going to play a role.
Also, kind of nice LeBron and Bronny get to be together for Christmas. (I’m a sap lol)
— Anthony F. Irwin (@AnthonyIrwinLA) August 11, 2026
@Itscapitanri on X posted about the irony of LeBron seeing Bronny at Christmas Eve dinner before the big game.
“LeBron coming home to LA having Christmas Eve dinner with Bronny before the game the next day,” the account posted.
Los Angeles fan @LakeShowJerry on X posted a video ironically comparing the Bronny-LeBron matchup to the legendary battles between Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson.
76ers-Lakers could easily be the most-watched Christmas Day game out of all five matchups this season.
