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LeBron James and Bronny James could make NBA history again on Christmas Day.
The Philadelphia 76ers will visit the Los Angeles Lakers on Dec. 25, 2026, setting up a potential matchup between LeBron and his son. The NBA scheduled the Christmas Day game for 5 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN.
However, the historic moment depends on both players taking the court.
If LeBron plays for Philadelphia and Bronny plays for Los Angeles, they will become the first father and son to face each other in an NBA game.
LeBron James and Bronny James Could Make History
The possible Christmas matchup would add another chapter to the James family’s NBA history.
LeBron and Bronny already became the first father and son to play together in an NBA game. They shared the court during the Lakers’ season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 22, 2024.
That moment marked a major milestone for the league and fulfilled a goal LeBron had discussed for years.
Bronny joined the Lakers after the team selected him with the No. 55 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. His arrival created the opportunity for him to play alongside his father in Los Angeles.
Now, their NBA paths have taken them in different directions.
LeBron James Returns to Los Angeles
The Christmas Day matchup would also give LeBron an emotional return to Los Angeles.
LeBron spent eight seasons with the Lakers before moving to Philadelphia during the 2026 offseason. The NBA confirmed his move to the 76ers in July after he announced that he would continue his career in Philadelphia.
The four-time NBA champion will begin his first season with the 76ers against the defending champion New York Knicks on Oct. 20.
Therefore, his Christmas return to Los Angeles will be one of the most closely watched games of his first season away from the Lakers.
The storyline becomes even bigger because Bronny could be on the opposite side of the court.
Bronny James Could Face His Father
Bronny’s potential role in the Christmas game will determine whether the historic matchup actually happens.
Unlike their first NBA meeting, this time the father and son would wear different uniforms.
LeBron would represent Philadelphia, while Bronny would represent Los Angeles.
That scenario would create a first in NBA history. No father and son have previously faced each other in a regular-season NBA game.
At the same time, the matchup would highlight how quickly the James family’s NBA story has evolved.
Just two years ago, LeBron and Bronny were making history as teammates. Now, they could become opponents on one of the NBA’s biggest regular-season stages.
76ers vs. Lakers Set for Christmas Day
The 76ers-Lakers game is part of a five-game Christmas Day schedule.
The NBA will begin the holiday slate with the San Antonio Spurs visiting the New York Knicks at noon ET. Next, the Miami Heat will face the Boston Celtics at 2:30 p.m. ET.
Philadelphia will then visit Los Angeles at 5 p.m. ET.
The Oklahoma City Thunder will follow with a visit to the Minnesota Timberwolves at 8 p.m. ET. Finally, the Denver Nuggets will face the Golden State Warriors at 10:30 p.m. ET.
The NBA has regularly used Christmas Day to showcase its biggest stars and most compelling storylines. This year, the potential LeBron-Bronny matchup gives the holiday schedule another historic angle.
A Christmas Day Moment to Watch
For LeBron, the game could mark his first Christmas appearance as a member of the 76ers against his former team.
For Bronny, it could create an opportunity to share an NBA court with his father from the opposite side.
Of course, neither player is guaranteed to play in the game. Injuries, coaching decisions and roster circumstances could change the situation before Christmas.
Still, the possibility alone has already created one of the most intriguing storylines on the 2026-27 NBA schedule.
If both Jameses take the floor, they will make history once again.
This time, however, they would not be teammates.
They would be opponents.
Source: NBA / Reuters.
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