The NBA released portions of its 2026-27 regular-season schedule on Tuesday, confirming that LeBron James will make his first return to Los Angeles as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers when Philadelphia visits the Los Angeles Lakers on Christmas Day at Crypto.com Arena. The game is scheduled to tip off at 2 p.m. PT on ESPN and ABC, marking James’ record 21st appearance in an NBA Christmas Day game.
The league also announced the opening week slate, with the Lakers set to host the Golden State Warriors on Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. PT on ESPN. The 76ers will open their season on Oct. 20 at Madison Square Garden, facing the New York Knicks in a game broadcast on NBC and Peacock. James will play his first game with Philadelphia the following day, Oct. 22, when the 76ers host the Cleveland Cavaliers at home on ESPN.
Lakers and 76ers Prepare for Holiday Showdown
The Christmas Day matchup between James’ new team and his former franchise adds a high-profile storyline to the holiday slate. James spent eight seasons with the Lakers, winning an NBA championship in 2020 during his tenure. The 76ers, meanwhile, bolstered their roster this offseason by acquiring five-time All-Star Jaylen Brown in a trade with the Boston Celtics, following James’ own signing in a two-year, $8 million deal.
The Lakers have undergone roster changes as well. The team traded for Walker Kessler, a 7-foot center who averaged a double-double last season with the Utah Jazz, to address their center position after trading Anthony Davis. Kessler joins Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves in the Lakers’ starting lineup, with Reaves signing a four-year, $180 million contract in July to solidify the team’s core.
Christmas Day Schedule Highlights
The NBA’s Christmas Day slate features five games, beginning with the San Antonio Spurs hosting the New York Knicks at noon ET. The Lakers-76ers matchup follows at 2 p.m. PT, with the Denver Nuggets visiting the Milwaukee Bucks at 4 p.m. PT and the Boston Celtics facing the Golden State Warriors at 5 p.m. PT. The slate concludes with the Dallas Mavericks at the Miami Heat at 7 p.m. PT.
Opening Week Matchups and Broadcast Details
The league’s opening week includes several marquee games. The 76ers’ season opener against the Knicks will feature a championship banner-raising ceremony in New York. The Cavaliers, who drafted James in 2003, visit Philadelphia on Oct. 22, while the Warriors and Lakers face off in Los Angeles on Oct. 21. James’ debut with the 76ers will be broadcast nationally, reflecting his continued star power entering his 24th NBA season.