LeBron James is unconcerned about the Christmas Day matchup versus the Celtics.

The Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics will play on Christmas Day, but LeBron James is much more concerned with something else. When questioned about the next game against the Celtics, LeBron responded that his daughter, Zhuri, comes first.

“I don’t care about Monday. Monday’s sole concern is my daughter waking up and opening her gifts.”

James has made it abundantly apparent that his family is everything to him, and nothing else comes close. Previously, LeBron stated he would miss a Lakers game if it was on the same day as Bronny James’ USC debut because family comes first. 

It was not a popular decision in some quarters, but because Bronny’s debut did not occur on the same day, it became moot. While LeBron will certainly face the Celtics and I anticipate him to dominate, his top priority for the day will be Zhuri.

LeBron James’ All-Time Starting Five Included His Family

LeBron’s devotion to his family was on full show after he passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time top scorer. As he spoke to the audience, James announced his all-time starting five: Bronny, Bryce, Zhuri, Gloria, and Savannah.

LeBron said he couldn’t achieve what he does on the floor without the love and devotion of his family. They have never stood in his way and continue to support him in his 21st season. Savannah even begged LeBron to keep playing until he could share the court with his younger son Bryce in a Beats commercial.

Last season, the Celtics and Lakers delivered two classics.

While some heavyweight matches are duds every now and again, the two games between the Lakers and Celtics last season were anything but. Both games proceeded to overtime, and LeBron had a chance to win both times.

The Lakers led by multiple digits in the fourth quarter of the first meeting in Los Angeles, but the Celtics tied the game with less than 20 seconds remaining. James then attempted a game-winning three-pointer from beyond the arc, but missed, sending the game into overtime. The Celtics grabbed control and won 122-118.

While that would ordinarily be the most memorable game between two teams in a season, better, albeit for the wrong reasons, was still to come. The game in Boston remained back-and-forth, but LeBron had the ball again with 4.1 seconds remaining and the score tied at 105.

This time, he went to the basket but was definitely fouled, but the refs didn’t call it. LeBron was enraged because he couldn’t believe no foul was called on the play. The Celtics would gain the upper hand once more in overtime, winning 125-121. In those matchups, James averaged 37.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, 8.5 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game while going 0-2.

He’d be hoping for a better turn of events this time. The 16-14 Lakers are coming off a 129-120 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, in which LeBron led the way with 40 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and two blocks.