**Rich Paul Responds to LeBron James’ Remarks on Playing NBA Christmas Day Games**
On Sunday, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, who is set to play in an NBA-record 20th Christmas Day game this Thursday, was asked if playing on Christmas still holds significant meaning for him.
“I’d much rather be at home with my family,” James admitted. “Obviously, I’m gonna be completely honest, I would like to be home on the couch with my family all throughout the day. But our number is called, so we have to go out and perform, and I look forward to it.”
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### Rich Paul’s Take on LeBron’s Comments
On Monday’s episode of *Game Over with Max Kellerman and Rich Paul*, Kellerman asked Paul about his reaction to James’ somewhat controversial remarks, which had generated mixed reactions among fans.
“Actually, I thought that the reaction to it, most people were very understanding,” Paul said (Timestamp: 50:50). “The way you look at it, this is the sacrifices that these guys make. When you talk about being present, you’re taking that away, but it’s also your job.”
Paul also hinted that the response might have been different if the comment came from any other player besides LeBron James.
“What I also saw him say was, ‘I was looking forward to it.’ People skip over that. And he also said that it’s something that he’s honored to be able to do,” Paul explained. “But the problem I got with that is if that was anybody else that said that, in that capacity, it would have been like… Ten years from now, you’ll play that tape on somebody or you’ll see (Michael Jordan) say that to Ahmad Rashad, and people will be like.”
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### Lakers vs. Rockets Christmas Day Showdown
LeBron James and the Lakers will host the Houston Rockets this Thursday at Crypto.com Arena. The game will mark the first Christmas Day meeting between LeBron and Kevin Durant since 2018, when Los Angeles defeated Durant’s Golden State Warriors.
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### LeBron James’ Christmas Day Records
Beyond holding the NBA record for most games played on Christmas Day, LeBron James has the chance to extend several other records on this holiday stage.
– Career leader in points scored on Christmas Day: 507
– Most field goals made on Christmas Day: 180
– Most victories on Christmas Day: 11
– Tied for most 3-pointers made (31) with LA Clippers star James Harden
– Second place in assists (137), just eight behind Oscar Robertson (145)
– Second place in steals (28), two shy of Russell Westbrook (30)
With Thursday’s game coming up, James could move to No. 1 in both assists and steals categories for Christmas Day performances.
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### Could This Be LeBron’s Final Christmas Game?
At 40 years old and already in his 23rd NBA season, LeBron’s future continues to spark speculation. His current contract runs through the end of the 2025-26 season, making this potentially his final Christmas Day appearance in an NBA uniform.
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Stay tuned as LeBron James looks to add to his legendary status this Christmas Day, continuing to cement his legacy among the NBA greats.
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*Edited by Kim Daniel Rubinos*
https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/news-this-sacrifices-guys-make-rich-paul-drags-michael-jordan-into-lebron-james-christmas-controversy-expose-fan-hypocrisy
