LeBron James and Steph Curry deliver as Lakers win Christmas classic

SAN FRANCISCO – After becoming the NBA’s all-time leader in Christmas Day wins (capturing his 11th in his 19th appearance in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 115-113 victory over the Golden State Warriors), he asked LeBron James what still makes the league special in today’s sports landscape.

“LeBron and Steph [Curry]”James said with a smile.

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

James led Los Angeles with 31 points on 12-of-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 score 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 Los Angeles after Lakers big man Anthony Davis sprained his left ankle with 6:49 left in the first quarter when his shoe got caught on the court while Los Angeles was finishing a possession. defensive, causing him to fall to the ground and wince in pain as he grabbed his left leg.

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

Despite Davis’ departure, Lakers-Warriors was a continuation of a solid series of Christmas games with 41 points from Mikal Bridges to lead the New York Knicks past the San Antonio Spurs, who were led by 42 points and 18 rebounds of the second year phenomenon. Victor Wembanyama; a furious comeback by the Dallas Mavericks that came up short against 23-year-old superstar Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves; and a surprise victory for the Philadelphia 76ers over the defending champion Boston Celtics thanks to a combined 60 points from Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid.

And it fueled a parting comment 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 on Christmas: the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 29-10 and the Baltimore Ravens beat the Houston Texans 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’m probably going to watch the second half of the Phoenix-Nuggets game and I know our game stood out, so you feel privileged to be there.” In those types of situations, for sure.”

And after playing a fourth game on Christmas Day against 22-year-old veteran James, Curry, in his 16th season, seemed melancholy.

“It’s always fun,” Curry said. “The competitive spirit, the history, its greatness. It allows me to appreciate everything we’ve been through, all the back and forth battles and the fact that in 2024 we’re still doing it. And in some ways the games are quite electric and a must see television situation. I love it… You don’t know how many opportunities you will have to do it in this type of setting.

“That’s why it was so unpleasant to lose, just because these are those moments that matter a little more.”