The Christmas Day matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers (16-13) and the Golden State Warriors (15-13) is sure to be a thriller. It’s the fifth time LeBron James and Stephen Curry will face off on this holiday, and they’re tied at two wins apiece in their previous four meetings. This game will be the first time the teams square off this season, and remember, last year the Warriors took three out of four regular-season matchups.

LeBron James has truly dominated Christmas Day. With 18 appearances, he’s racked up 476 points, setting the record for most points ever scored on December 25th. Meanwhile, Stephen Curry hasn’t had the same success in these holiday matchups. In 10 games, Curry averages 15.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 6.4 assists. He’s only surpassed 20 points once, and his record stands at 4-6. Maybe this Christmas, he’ll bring some holiday cheer to his stats.

Which one of these stars are you rooting for this Christmas? Well, Kendrick Perkins is quite clear on his choice. Appearing on NBA Today, the 2008 NBA champ was asked who has more left to give. Big Perk outright said, “I gotta go with Bron. I gotta go with Bron because outside of scoring the basketball he checked the other boxes.”  Perkins highlights LeBron’s ability to impact other areas like rebounding and passing, stating, “If you want the rebounds he’s giving you that you want the assist. He’s definitely giving you that, hell LeBron James probably could have his seven assists at the age of 50, to be honest with you because of his basketball IQ.” 

While Perkins acknowledges Curry’s strengths, he believes LeBron offers more across the board. On the other hand Danny Green, the 3x NBA champ had a different opinion. Green said, “Hate to disagree with you perk, but I’m gonna go with Steph,”. While Green acknowledges LeBron’s greatness, he points out LeBron’s age, saying, “he is 40 in a week.”. But hold on he still didn’t pick Steph.

“I give the day to LeBron, but I give the future Christmases to Steph Curry.” remarked Green. Warriors and Curry’s current form makes the King a better pick for Green. But Curry, with his sustained excellence and less wear and tear, will likely be in a better position to shine in future seasons.

Another NBA champion shares his view.

Former Boston Celtics Champions seem to like LeBron James more even though he plays for the Lakers

On Christmas LeBron averages 26.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 7.1 assists, and holds a 10-8 record, tying Dwyane Wade for the most Christmas Day wins.

Paul Pierce recently suggested that this could be LeBron’s final holiday game. On the Ticket and The Truth podcast, Pierce speculated that 4x MVP might “seize the moment” and put on a show, especially since it could be his last Christmas game. He noted, “this might be his last Christmas,” acknowledging how important the holiday is to LeBron’s career. Pierce also pointed out LeBron’s understanding of the moment, adding that he expects him to rise to the occasion.

He further explained, “Ay, I think him and Curry gon show out, but this might be Bron last Christmas. I hate to take the Lakers, but I take them. He just understand the moment so I’mma take the Lakers.”. Even he choses Bron over Curry this time, even though the Lakers are the C’s fiercest rivals.

With LeBron turning 40 soon, retirement rumors are swirling, even if he hasn’t said anything. If this season is his last, he’ll likely give everything he has on Christmas Day. After all, LeBron’s Christmas performances have become legendary, and this could be his chance to cap off an incredible run on the holiday stage.

Given how much LeBron values this time of year, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him leave it all out there for one last Christmas performance, especially with the whole world watching. Pierce believes LeBron understands the magnitude of the moment, which could make this game even more special.