LeBron James and Luka Doncic are set to face off against each other on this year’s Christmas Day, recent reports suggest. In fact, the Dallas Mavericks are supposed to take on the Los Angeles Lakers on Christmas Eve this year. Incidentally, LeBron James and Luka Doncic played against each other in an NBA Christmas Day game for the first time in 2020.
The Christmas Day games hold a special place in the NBA’s scheduling. Not only from a rating perspective, but Christmas games also play a crucial role in indicating the tide of the league as well. Generally speaking, the most coveted games are tactfully placed on Christmas Day to bring in a large audience during the festive season.
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For example, the Los Angeles Lakers played the Brooklyn Nets last year in what was the most desired matchup in the league at that time. This year, the NBA has decided to concoct a Luka vs LeBron matchup after Dallas’ strong showing last season. And NBA fans couldn’t be more excited about it.
LeBron James and Luka Doncic to face off on Christmas Day
According to a report by NBA insider Marc Stein, the Lakers will play the Mavericks on the road on Christmas Day in the upcoming 2022-23 season. However, the report is based on the NBA’s first draft of next year’s schedule.
The first draft of next season's NBA schedule has Lakers at Dallas/LeBron at Luka on Christmas Day, league sources tell me.
Changes are still possible before the full schedule officially drops next week but Christmas games usually hold.
More NBA from me: https://t.co/LGN9cVpeGP
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) August 13, 2022
Therefore, things are still subject to change. The NBA will release the final draft of its scheduling for the next season’s games in the upcoming weeks.
Meanwhile, NBA fans couldn’t be more excited after the news of a Luka vs LeBron matchup broke out. In fact, they flooded social media with their predictions and analysis. Here are some of the best reactions.
https://twitter.com/M_Flores187/status/1558271581247389696?s=20&t=HJ0IE3Ro3F3yl9vYsqtwzQ
I like this. Their matchups are always fun
— C A L V I N (@calvingonba) August 13, 2022
https://twitter.com/Hopeful_Dallas/status/1558272595321098246?s=20&t=HJ0IE3Ro3F3yl9vYsqtwzQ
Lmao you mean the 1 game they played with no LeBron or AD? Lmao. The other two matchups this season were decided by 5 and 3 points
— C A L V I N (@calvingonba) August 13, 2022
https://twitter.com/LoNhia/status/1558293782969212928?s=20&t=HJ0IE3Ro3F3yl9vYsqtwzQ
Mavericks vs Lakers
Warriors vs Grizzlies
Celtics vs Bucks
Suns vs Nuggets
Clippers vs Timberwolves
76ers vs Heat— o 🧹 (@alesmith8747) August 13, 2022
https://twitter.com/LakersSuck107/status/1558269537908408320?s=20&t=HJ0IE3Ro3F3yl9vYsqtwzQ
https://twitter.com/FlukaMagic/status/1558272089903321090?s=20&t=HJ0IE3Ro3F3yl9vYsqtwzQ
Christmas came early! 🎅
— Fadeaway World (@FadeawayWorld) August 13, 2022
LeBron vs Luka. This is gonna be a great game. Can't wait.
— Randy Ragsdale (@SashaMania36) August 13, 2022
Luka finna give Russ 50 and I gotta watch it on Christmas bruh😭😭😭
— Vaughn (@L8TER_) August 13, 2022
https://twitter.com/Goatburner7/status/1558357007844970499?s=20&t=HJ0IE3Ro3F3yl9vYsqtwzQ
Only watching for Luka & Bron
— GÖĆ¥ ÇLÄRK §Zñ (8-13) (@CMC__GOAT) August 13, 2022
Lakers vs Mavericks on Christmas Day
In 2020, the Dallas Mavericks played the Lakers on Christmas Day in a 138-115 loss. However, things have changed drastically since then.
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In fact, Luka Doncic led the Mavs to the Western Conference Finals last season with a sensational playoff performance. On the other hand, the Lakers failed to qualify for the postseason last year.
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With LeBron James approaching his 38th birthday, this will be an interesting matchup. In fact, this year’s game will mark the Lakers’ 23rd consecutive Christmas Day feature.