Source: Thearon W. Henderson / Getty
LeBron James made it a point to declare Christmas Day a day for the NBA, as the NFL played games on the holiday through the Netflix streaming platform.
The battle between the National Football League and the National Basketball Association for ratings dominance took center stage on Christmas Day (December 25) as superstar LeBron James made it plain that the holiday belongs to the NBA. During an interview after the Los Angeles Lakers’ thrilling 115-113 win on the road against the Golden State Warriors. “Merry Christmas to my family back home, I’m coming home,” James said to ESPN’s Lisa Salters afterward at Chase Center. “And I love the NFL. I love the NFL. But Christmas is our day.” James made it a point to look directly into the camera as he added that last statement.
James’ comments came hours after Netflix live-streamed two climatic games – the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 29-10, and the Baltimore Ravens soundly beat the Houston Texans 31-2 in the later contest. The second game also featured a dynamic halftime performance by Beyonce’, who performed songs from her Cowboy Carter album. The show also featured country star Shaboozey and the singer/rapper Post Malone, in addition to her daughter Blue Ivy joining her. The day was expected to boost ratings for the streaming platform’s further expansion into live sports, with a deal reportedly worth $150 million.
The NBA has been criticized for its performance recently, with a report showing a drop in ratings. But Christmas Day has traditionally been a strong showcase for the league. This Christmas Day was no exception, as the NBA had five games nationally aired between ESPN and ABC, beginning with the San Antonio Spurs taking on the New York Knicks which featured a simulcast on Disney Plus featuring animated players from both teams along with Disney favorites such as Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Minnie Mouse. Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns echoed James’ statements after his team’s victory over the Denver Nuggets. “Today was a step in the right direction to get people excited again for the game of basketball,” he said.