In addition to its 2026-27 season-opening tripleheader, the NBA has also revealed its much-anticipated Christmas Day schedule with five games on tap.
The ultimate present for NBA fans will feature a host of the league’s marquee teams. The matchups, announced on Tuesday, Aug. 11, are highlighted by LeBron James‘ return to Los Angeles to face his former team, the Lakers.
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If he plays, it will be James’ 21st appearance on Christmas Day. James has averaged 26.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 7.1 assists in his previous 20 appearances on the holiday.
The Knicks will be making their sixth straight appearance on Christmas, and their 59th overall, while the Lakers are on the Christmas Day schedule for the 28th straight season.
2026 NBA Christmas Day matchups
All times Eastern
The games will air on ABC and ESPN.
The Charlotte Hornets continue their tradition of being the only NBA team to have never played on Christmas Day.
Christmas Day records
New York Knicks: 26-32
Oklahoma City Thunder: 6-15
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San Antonio Spurs: 5-7
Boston Celtics: 17-21
Cleveland Cavaliers: 7-8
Los Angeles Lakers: 25-27
Philadelphia 76ers: 20-15
Golden State Warriors: 16-19
Denver Nuggets: 4-7
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: LeBron’s return to LA highlights 5-game NBA Christmas Day schedule
