Total Pro Sports
The NBA officially announced its 2025 Christmas Day lineup, which showcased a strong slate of matchups that includes two Eastern Conference teams and eight sides from the West. This talent-stacked schedule aimed at capturing holiday viewership, but the competition from the NFL remains a looming presence.
The NFL, which has surged ahead in holiday ratings over recent years, will roll out three marquee games. All three will stream online, underscoring a strategic move that helped drive massive viewership in 2024. Last year, NFL Christmas games drew over 65 million viewers combined, dwarfing the NBA’s 5.25 million.
Skip Bayless weighed in on the growing gap. “What a strong Christmas Day NBA lineup on linear TV: Cavs-Knicks, Spurs-Thunder, Rockets-Lakers, Mavs-Warriors, TWolves-Nuggets. But it won’t be able to compete with the NFL, even though all 3 will be streamed: Cowboys-Commanders, Lions-Vikings, Broncos-Chiefs,” he posted.
What a strong Christmas Day NBA lineup on linear TV: Cavs-Knicks, Spurs-Thunder, Rockets-Lakers, Mavs-Warriors, TWolves-Nuggets. But it won't be able to compete with the NFL, even though all 3 will be streamed: Cowboys-Commanders, Lions-Vikings, Broncos-Chiefs.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) August 9, 2025
The NFL’s push into streaming paid off, giving it an edge in reaching broader audiences. Meanwhile, the NBA continues to lean heavily on traditional broadcasts. As another Christmas showdown approaches, the real question is whether quality matchups alone can help the NBA regain some of its holiday growth.
The Los Angeles Lakers are building around Luka Doncic, which signals a shift away from LeBron James as their key presence. Skip Bayless believes the Lakers are ready to move on, especially after James opted into his $52.6 million contract for next season.
On The Skip Bayless Show, he said, “If, deep down, LeBron doesn’t want to finish anywhere else but in L.A., then what’s left? If the Lakers say no, is it the Clippers or bust?” he further added. “Reunite with Ty Lue, with whom LeBron won his last REAL championship back in Cleveland. This is contingent on the Clippers wanting him. Not with their cap situation. I guess that’s why LeBron started posting pictures at the Clippers facility.”
Despite the noise, James will likely play a key role next season as the Lakers aim for another title with Doncic leading the charge.
