Since their first appearance in 1961, the Lakers have played on Christmas 50 times. That number is second-highest among all NBA teams, behind only the New York Knicks. The Lakers' 24 wins is tied with the Knicks for most all-time and they've generally played better than New York on yuletide, losing only 26 contests to the Knicks' 32 losses.

The dawn of J. J. Redick’s coaching career and the dusk of Lebron James’s playing years converge in an erratic season, while the N.B.A.’s ratings are tanking.

The Los Angeles Lakers have recently picked up their form but have a 16-12 record so far this season. They're the only team in the top 10 of the West with