It’s that time of year again, this annual gift from the NBA to its fans.
This year will be the fourth straight year the Los Angeles Lakers have played at home on Christmas Day and the 10th time in the last 12 years. But, LA only has a 4-7 record. Will this year be different?
And this year’s game will mark the fourth time the Lakers and Heat have met on this favorite holiday since 2004, with the Heat having won all the prior games.
So, will this Christmas game against the Miami Heat and their new super three of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh give Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Co. a run for their money? Will the Heat continue their winning ways on Christmas Day?
To add to the gift giving, both LeBron and Kobe are set to debut their new Nike footwear with LBJ breaking out a new pair of red shoes for his LEBRON 8 V.2 while Kobe is scheduled to wear green Kobe VIs, nicknamed "The Grinch" shoes.
No matter what, the fans benefit.
The NBA has turned Christmas Day into a near tradition, like the NFL with Thanksgiving and the Lakers are just about America’s Team, much like the Dallas Cowboys who always play on that holiday.
The Five Highest Watched Christmas Day games since 2001 have been:
1. 2004: Lakers-Heat, 13.2 million viewers
2. 2008: Celtics-Lakers, 10 million viewers
3. 2009: Cavs-Lakers, 8.5 million viewers
4. 2005: Heat-Lakers, 8.1 million viewers
5. 2002: Kings-Lakers, 7.5 million viewers
Kobe Bryant was recently interviewed by Michael Wilbon of ESPN and asked about if he liked playing on Christmas.
Kobe said, “I love it. As a fan, I remember watching Magic and Bird on Christmas Day or Michael against the Knicks. It’s what you do as a family...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
