No one played more games or scored more points on December 25th than LeBron James. It’s been a full two decades since he wasn’t part of the NBA’s vacation plans. Perhaps we can measure the passage of time by LeBron’s Christmas performances – from the grueling 2003 classic with Tracy McGrady, to the era of jerseys with sleeves and those seasonal fonts, to today’s embrace as an elder statesman with shooting sleeves. Now we get another must-see Christmas appearance, pitting LeBron against the great Stephen Curry. Let’s enjoy these moments, basketball fans.

How to watch Lakers vs. Warriors

Good gift packaged: Just because we get the same gift every year doesn’t mean it isn’t great. James may be a step slower than his usual transcendence… because he’s about to turn 40 and has been playing basketball on TV for what feels like three lifetimes. But he’s not finished yet. After a discouraging stretch a few weeks ago, he has 27.5 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.5 assists in his last six games.

The same goes for Steph, who we should never tire of watching. It would definitely be cool if Curry was included, as he has been uncharacteristically quiet in 10 Christmas games in his career (averaging under 16 points on a beguiling 31.7 percent shooting percentage).

Christmas presents: Dennis Schröder has a funny story with Wednesday’s headliners. He, James and Anthony Davis share a cool (and hilarious) defining moment together. He was also sent off for playing against Draymond Green in a postseason game two years ago. Schröder comes at a crucial time for Golden State, which has lost 10 of its last 13 contests.

The betting angle: The Lakers have a 6-10 lead on the road.

Best Christmas moments

• 2008: Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and the Lakers broke the rival Celtics’ 18-game winning streak in a dramatic Finals rematch. Bryant led all scorers with 27 points.
• 2013: In one of the dynasty’s first standout moments on the national stage, Golden State edged the “Lob City” Clippers thanks to Harrison Barnes’ late free throws and Klay Thompson’s game-saving block from Chris Paul.

Lakers vs Warriors odds

Five players will start wearing each jersey (minimum 50 games played):

• G – Derek Fisher
• G – Cazzie Russell
• F – Jamaal Wilkes
• Q – Rudy LaRusso
• C-Wilt Chamberlain

(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)