10 NBA things to watch for on Christmas Day

HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 7: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets handles the ball against Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 7, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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BROOKLYN, NY – DECEMBER 18: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on December 18, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Nets defeated the Lakers 115-110. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

4. LeBron vs. the Warriors

Had LeBron James stayed with the Cleveland Cavaliers this past summer, it would only be natural to have no interest in seeing him face the Golden State Warriors again.

But James’ decision to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers adds some juice back into this matchup.

The Lakers will likely use this game to gauge how close they are to championship contention in the first year of James’ tenure in L.A. If they can steal this game on the road or even keep it close, it may influence their thinking heading into the trade deadline in early February.

On the other hand, this could be a wake-up call for James and the Lakers. If the Warriors, who are nowhere near their peak form, turn this game into a rout, it could speak to how far away the Lakers are from being a legitimate Finals contender. In turn, that could lead to a more drastic shakeup over the coming weeks.

It’s dangerous to overreact to one regular-season game, particularly with the Western Conference more loaded than ever. But rest assured, James and the Lakers have had this game circled on their calendar since the moment the NBA schedule came out.

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