LeBron James: Top 5 Christmas Day Performances

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May 24, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward LeBron James (left) talks with Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) during a game against the Indiana Pacers in game three of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
May 24, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward LeBron James (left) talks with Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) during a game against the Indiana Pacers in game three of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

4. 2007 vs Miami

Stat line: 25 points, 6 rebounds, 12 assists, 1 block, 1 steal, Win

After his first appearance in 2003, James didn’t play another Christmas Day game until 2007 and boy, was it a good one. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find any video footage …

LeBron and company went toe-to-toe with Dwyane Wade, who was one of the undisputed alpha dogs of the league at the time.

To give you a sense of perspective, Wade dropped 22 points, had six rebounds and eight assists.

This was one of the better Christmas Day team matchups for James and his Cavaliers. It was also the only time he ever played Wade on Christmas. That is, until he does again today.

There aren’t so many games anymore where one great player takes on another in a sort of one-on-one while the other eight guys stand around and watch. Most teams nowadays have at least a dynamic duo, or otherwise no single great player at all.

It used to be great fun watching James and Wade go at it; two of the most athletic players the game has ever seen. While today’s version might not necessarily involve that same sort of freaky athletic highlight material, it may offer us something fun on an entirely different level.

Besides, we’ll always have this gem to return to.

Next: 2012