LeBron vs. Bronny Headlines a 76ers-Lakers Christmas Clash
The NBA's Dec. 25 slate pits LeBron's new Sixers against son Bronny's Lakers. Here's what that fantasy-loaded five-game card means for your roster.
Elite floor even at 41, but age and rest days cap the upside.
- LeBron posts 41.4 FPTS/G in 2025-26 (60 games)
- Bronny averages 6.5 FPTS/G over 42 games in 2025-26
- LeBron now on his 4th team, the 76ers
- LeBron ranks #23 overall; Bronny sits #388
- Five-game Christmas slate revealed Aug. 11
The NBA dropped its 2026 Christmas Day schedule on Aug. 11, and the headline writes itself: LeBron James, now suiting up for the Philadelphia 76ers — his fourth franchise — draws the Los Angeles Lakers, the team where his son Bronny still plays. Father against son on the league's marquee holiday. You couldn't script it better.
The fantasy math is the fun part. LeBron averaged 41.4 fantasy points per game across 60 appearances last season (2025-26), good for our #23 overall rank and #9 at his position — production that would embarrass most players a decade younger. Bronny, meanwhile, checked in at 6.5 FPTS/G over 42 games last season (2025-26), sitting at #388 in our rankings. This is a marquee storyline, not a marquee positional battle.
The Slate Beyond the Family Reunion
The Christmas card is a five-game affair, as it usually is, and the league loaded it with stars. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a fixture on these slates for good reason — he put up a monster 50.6 FPTS/G over 68 games last season (2025-26), which lands him at #4 overall in our model. Anthony Edwards is another holiday regular, coming off 28.8 points and 44.1 FPTS/G in 61 games last season (2025-26), ranked #15 overall.
For fantasy managers, the schedule reveal matters more than the sentiment. Christmas games mean a nationally televised showcase, and stars tend to get every available minute rather than a load-management night. That's a green light for your studs — LeBron in particular has been trending up, posting +7.9 fantasy points over his season average across his last five games last season.
The Fantasy Fallout
Bronny is not a roster consideration in standard leagues, full stop — his 6.5 FPTS/G ceiling is a deep-dynasty flier at best, even with a small +6.3 uptick over his last five games. LeBron is the real asset here, and his line is remarkable for a player entering his 23rd season. The caveat: age and the occasional rest day cap his weekly reliability.
Bottom line — hold LeBron and expect him to play the Christmas showcase. Don't chase Bronny for the storyline. And if you're deciding between star options on Dec. 25, lean into the guys who thrive on the big stage. SGA and Edwards remain elite plays; LeBron's a confident start with a top-25 floor.
