The NBA has announced part of its regular-season schedule, revealing the Christmas Day matchups. Highlighting the day’s events, LeBron James will appear in his record 21st NBA Christmas game, now as part of the Philadelphia 76ers. This time, they will face his former team, the Los Angeles Lakers.

LeBron, who spent eight seasons with the Lakers and won an NBA championship with them in 2020, has added depth to the 76ers, a promising Eastern Conference team. The 76ers also acquired Jaylen Brown, a five-time All-Star and the 2024 NBA Finals MVP, enhancing their roster significantly.

As for the Lakers, their lineup will see a significant change. The team traded for Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz, building a ‘Big Three’ alongside stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. This trade aims to strengthen a position that had been in flux since trading Anthony Davis, a multiple-time All-Star and 2020 champion. Kessler brings strong stats, having averaged 14.4 points and 10.8 rebounds with the Jazz last season.

Luka Doncic’s arrival marks a new era for the Lakers, with him assuming the role of team leader. Reaves secured his future with the team by signing a four-year, $180 million contract in July.

The Christmas Day schedule includes five games: the Philadelphia 76ers against the Los Angeles Lakers starts at 5 p.m. ET. Earlier, the San Antonio Spurs, featuring Victor Wembanyama, will face the New York Knicks in an NBA Finals rematch at Madison Square Garden at 12 p.m. ET.

Other games on the slate include Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Miami Heat taking on the Boston Celtics at 2:30 p.m. ET, while the Oklahoma City Thunder will travel to play the Minnesota Timberwolves at 8 p.m. ET. The day concludes with the Denver Nuggets versus the Golden State Warriors at 10:30 p.m. ET.

All matches will be broadcast on ABC and ESPN, providing a full day of basketball entertainment for fans.