NBA: LeBron James, Steph Curry deliver Christmas classic as LA Lakers win

After becoming the NBA’s all-time leader in Christmas Day victories — earning his 11th in his 19th appearance in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 115-113 win over the Golden State Warriors — LeBron James was asked what still makes the league special in today’s sports landscape.

“LeBron and Steph [Curry],” James said with a smile.

James led L.A. with 31 points on 12-for-22 shooting and tallied 10 assists with only one turnover.

Curry scored 17 of his game-high 38 points in the fourth quarter, tying the score with a 31-foot 3-pointer with 7.6 seconds left after Golden State had trailed by as many as 10 in the final period.

James’ performance was needed for L.A. after Lakers big man Anthony Davis sprained his left ankle with 6:49 left in the first quarter when his sneaker got caught on the court as L.A. was finishing a defensive possession, causing him to fall to the floor and wince in pain as he grabbed his left leg.

Davis exited the game and did not return. Afterward, Davis told ESPN, “I’ll be OK. I’m playing against Sac on Saturday” when L.A. hosts the Sacramento Kings.

after playing a fourth Christmas Day game against the 22-year veteran James, Curry — in his 16th season — sounded wistful.

“It’s always a blast,” Curry said. “Like, the competitive spirit, the history, his greatness. It allows me to just appreciate all that we’ve been through, all the battles back and forth and the fact that in 2024 we’re still doing it. And somehow the games are pretty electric and kind of a must-see TV situation. I love it. …