LeBron James has averaged 25.7 points, 8.1 rebounds and 6.3 assists during 14 appearances on Christmas Day throughout his NBA career following the Lakers 111-106 loss to the Clippers. In addition to the 2019 matchup with his crosstown rival, LeBron has also played against teams like the Orlando Magic, Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, Oklahoma City Thunder and Golden State Warriors on Christmas.

Those marquee matchups have been headlined alongside fellow Hall of Famers named Tracy McGrady, Dwyane Wade, Dirk Nowitzki, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry. In the wake of the most recent superstar showdown with Kawhi Leonard, we’ve compiled the complete history of LeBron’s Christmas Day performances dating back to when he first dropped 34 points as an 18-year-old rookie with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

2003: Cleveland Cavaliers (9-19) at Orlando Magic (7-22)

Marquee Opponent: Tracy McGrady

Score: Cleveland loses 113-101

LeBron Stats: 34 points, 6 assists, 2 rebounds

LeBron James was 18-years and 360 days old when he made his Christmas Day debut on the NBA stage. During the 2003 matchup with Tracy McGrady and the Orlando Magic, LeBron scored 34 points while dishing out six assists. That scoring total is currently the most points ever scored by a rookie during a Christmas Day game according to Basketball Reference.

Heading into this year’s slate of contests, there have been 444 NBA rookies who have played on Christmas since 1963. None of those rookies scored as many points as LeBron did in Orlando. Despite the historic effort from James, however, the Cavaliers would lose the game by 12. McGrady led all scorers with 41 points to go along with 11 assists and eight rebounds.

“He’s not 18,” McGrady declared about LeBron after the game. “Can’t possibly be. If he continues to work hard and stay hungry, it can be ugly. It’s scary how good he can be. You just look at him, man. The poise that he has out on the basketball court. The confidence. He has that swagger.”



2007: Miami Heat (8-19) at Cleveland Cavaliers (12-16)

Marquee Opponent: Dwyane Wade

Score: Cavs wins 96-82

LeBron Stats: 25 points, 12 assists, 6 rebounds

LeBron James met his good friend and fellow member of the 2003 draft class, Dwyane Wade, on Christmas Day 2007 when the Miami Heat traveled to Cleveland. At the time, Miami was anchored inside by Shaquille O’Neal who had helped Wade win the 2006 NBA championship and Finals MVP.

LeBron would score 25 points in the contest while dishing out 12 assists compared to only one turnover. Wade offered 22 points and eight assists but would lose to LeBron’s Cavs by 14. Shaq scored 13 points and grabbed nine rebounds while Drew Gooden scored 18 and collected nine boards in support of James.

“When we play defense we’re a pretty good team,” James said after the victory. “When we don’t, we don’t look so well — simple as that. Today was a good step.”



2008: Washington Wizards (4-24) at Cleveland Cavaliers (24-4)

Marquee Opponent: Antawn Jamison

Score: Cavaliers win 93-89

LeBron Stats: 18 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds

LeBron James and his Cleveland Cavaliers owned a 24-4 record that was slightly better than the 2019-20 Los Angeles Lakers heading into their Christmas Day matchup against the Washington Wizards in 2008. The Wizards, led by Antawn Jamison, owned a directly opposite mark of 4-24. But despite the Cavs being big favorites at home, this contest between the two teams who had recently met in the playoffs would go down to the final buzzer.

LeBron scored only 18 points while dishing out six assists and grabbing five rebounds in one of the lowest statistical efforts of his Christmas Day career. James did come through when it mattered most, however, scoring nine of those points in the fourth quarter to do just enough to secure a four-point victory. Jamison led all scorers with 28 for the Wizards.

“Not a pretty one and we’re not satisfied at all,” LeBron said afterwards. “But we’ll take the win. Would have ruined my Christmas if we lost.”