In the 2020s—and particularly in the last few years—every matchup between forward LeBron James's Los Angeles Lakers and guard Stephen Curry's Golden State Warriors has taken on special meaning. There is a growing sense that both legends—and particularly James—may not have much time left in the NBA.

“Part of it is just Father Time,” Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said. “If you’re 40 or almost 37 in Steph’s case, it’s a lot harder — physically and emotionally — to face what those guys face night after night after night. There’s a reason players have to retire. They can’t do it forever.”

LeBron James took to social media to express his nostalgia for a beloved NBA tradition: Christmas Day uniforms. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar tweeted: "Not having Xmas day unis anymore really sucks!