Rumors: Dallas Mavericks to host LeBron James and Lakers on Christmas Day

The Dallas Mavericks are still waiting for their regular season schedule to be released for the 2022-2023 season, but the first rumblings dropped on Friday night as Marc Stein shared a juicy rumor about the team’s Christmas Day matchup. According to Stein, it will be the Mavericks hosting the Lakers on Dec. 25, if the first draft of the schedule holds.

Luka Doncic faced LeBron James and the Lakers on Christmas Day back in 2020, and it was a night to forget for Dallas. The defending champions dominated on their way to a 138-115 victory in Los Angeles. Luka had 27 points in the loss as LeBron had a 22-point double-double.

It will be the third straight year the Mavericks have played on Christmas, but Doncic missed last year’s game as Dallas fell to the Utah Jazz. Recent history suggests Dallas will have the edge heading into this year’s holiday matchup as number 77 looks for the first Christmas Day win of his career.

Rumors: Dallas Mavericks to host LeBron James and Lakers on Christmas Day

The Mavericks are 5-7 versus the Lakers during Luka’s career, but Dallas has won four straight with Doncic in the lineup. They lost in Dallas on Dec. 15, 2021, but Doncic missed that game with an ankle injury. The Mavs won the final two meetings of each of the last two seasons to give them four consecutive with LD in the lineup over LeBron James and company.

Luka versus LeBron always has a bit of extra heat as the Mavericks star takes on his idol. Fans will get to see their second meeting on Christmas Day in 2022. It could be a massive game in the standings too as Los Angeles looks to get back into the playoffs, and Dallas tries to build on their run to the conference finals.

The NBA’s Christmas Day slate is always one of the best of the year, and Dallas Mavericks fans get a treat as Luka Doncic faces LeBron James. It will likely be a midday game, so plan accordingly, and stay tuned for all the latest rumors.