LeBron James, Steph Curry deliver as Lakers win Christmas Classic

SAN FRANCISCO – After becoming the NBA’s all-time leader in Christmas Day victories – he earned his 11th in his 19th appearance in Los Angeles Lakers‘ 115-113 win over Golden State Warriors — LeBron James was asked what still makes the league special in today’s sports landscape.

“LeBron and Steph (Carry)James said with a smile.

In fact, nearly a decade after the pair met for the first of four straight NBA Finals meetings and less than a week before James’ 40th birthday, the duo looked as dominant as ever Wednesday.

James led LA with 31 points on 12-for-22 shooting and tallied 10 assists with just one turnover.

Curry scored 17 of his game-high 38 points in the fourth quarter, tying the game with a 31-foot 3-pointer with 7.6 seconds left after Golden State trailed by as many as 10 in the final period.

James’ performance was needed for LA after the Lakers’ big man Anthony Davis sprained his left ankle with 6:49 left in the first quarter when his sneaker got caught on the court as LA ended a defensive possession, causing him to fall to the floor and writhe in pain as he clutched his left leg .

Davis left the game and did not return. Afterwards, Davis told ESPN, “I’ll be fine. I’ll play Sac on Saturday” when LA hosts Sacramento Kings. Davis’ status is officially day-to-day, but he was able to walk on his ankle without the aid of crutches or extra support, sources told ESPN.

Despite Davis’ exit, Lakers-Warriors continued a strong slate of Christmas games with 41 points of Michael Bridges to lift New York Knicks past San Antonio Spurswas paced by 42 points and 18 rebounds from the sophomore phenom Victor Wembanyama; a furious comeback of Dallas Mavericks that fell short against the 23-year-old superstar Anthony Edwards and that Minnesota Timberwolves; and an upset victory of Philadelphia 76ers over the defending champion Boston Celtics thanks to 60 combined points from Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid.

And that prompted a parting shot from James as he wrapped up an on-court interview with ESPN’s Lisa Salters at the end of the Lakers-Warriors telecast.

“I love the NFL,” James said. “But Christmas is our day.”

The NFL had two games this Christmas – the Kansas City Chiefs beat Pittsburgh Steelers 29-10 and the Baltimore Ravens beat Houston Texas 31-2 – although Wednesday games are rare in the league.

“That’s a good answer,” Curry said when informed of James’ statement. “Basketball, I’ve been watching since I woke up this morning. All five games. I’ll probably watch the second half of the Phoenix-Nuggets game, and I know our game stood out, so you feel privileged to be in those kinds of situations, for sure.”

And after playing a fourth Christmas Day game against the 22-year veteran James, Curry – in his 16th season – sounded wistful.

“It’s always a blast,” Curry said. “Like the competitive spirit, the history, the greatness of it. It allows me to just appreciate everything we’ve been through, all the back-and-forth and the fact that we’re still doing it in 2024. And somehow the games are pretty electric and kind of a TV situation I love… You don’t know how many opportunities you get to do that on this type of stage.

“That’s why it was so boring to lose, just because it’s moments like that that mean a little bit more.”