Christmas games are one of the NBA’s most exciting events of the season. The biggest rivals are pitted against one another, ensuring a thrilling encounter every time. This year is no different, as the most glorious rivalry in the league is set to be reignited. The Boston Celtics will face the Los Angeles Lakers in the ultimate showdown on Christmas. But will the Lakers have to take on championship favorites without LeBron James and Anthony Davis?

Since the In-Season Tournament victory, the Lakers have had an embarrassing stretch, going 2-5. Their first win in 4 games came last night, when they thrashed Oklahoma City Thunder, thanks to a heroic outing from James. However, The King and The Brow may not aid the Lakers against their arch-rivals on Christmas. But why?

LeBron James and Anthony Davis listed as ‘questionable’

LeBron James and Anthony Davis have been listed as questionable for the Christmas Day matchup against the Boston Celtics. The NBA Top-75 duo has had one of the most dominant stretches in the past few weeks but has not been able to convert it into wins. The Lakers hold a record of 16-14, entering Christmas Day, due in most part to their unbeaten In-Season Tournament run. The Celtics, on the other hand, hold the best record in the NBA currently (22-6).

LeBron James and Anthony Davis are undoubtedly the most crucial pieces of the Lakers roster. To take on the mighty Celtics, the Los Angeles-based franchise will desperately need the legendary duo’s services. James, who has played a Christmas game in almost every season, has suffered a left ankle tendinopathy, hindering his chances to play on this special night this season. Davis, on the other hand, has sustained a left ankle sprain/bone bruise.

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With the Lakers looking to resurrect their season and get back to winning ways, a win against the Celtics can prove to be a step in the right direction. However, James and Davis will play a crucial role in the Lakers’ chances against their Eastern Conference rivals.

James and Davis’ insane Christmas Day games

The Los Angeles Lakers landed LeBron James in the 2018 free agency, beginning his extraordinary journey in Purple and Gold. Just one year later, the Los Angeles-based franchise shocked the world by acquiring Anthony Davis. Since then, the two have wreaked havoc on the court together, establishing themselves as one of the premier duos in the NBA. When it comes to Christmas Day games, this is no different.

James and Davis have played 2 Christmas Day games together in 5 years of their Lakers stint. Their first-ever Christmas Day game together came in 2019 when the Lakers took on their LA rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers. Davis put up 24 points and 6 rebounds whereas The King put up 23-10-9, a near triple-double. They played their next game together in 2020 when they thrashed the Dallas Mavericks on Christmas. The Brow scored 28 points and grabbed 8 rebounds whereas James scored 22 and dished out 10 assists.

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This will be the duo’s first Christmas Day game together since 2020 if both take the court. Davis has had a history of injuries which have kept him away from Christmas games. However, if he pulls through along with LeBron James, it is certain to deliver a spectacle for fans.