On Christmas Day, LeBron James says he “doesn’t give a damn” about playing the Celtics.

The Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics will face off on Monday on Christmas Day, but there is something LeBron James cares a lot more about than that. When asked about that upcoming clash against the Celtics, LeBron stated his daughter, Zhuri, is a much bigger priority for him.

“I can give a damn about Monday. The only thing I care bout Monday is my daughter waking up and opening her gifts.”

James has made it crystal clear, that his family is what matters the most to him and nothing else comes close. Previously, LeBron had said he would miss a Lakers game if it was on the same day as Bronny James’ USC debut, as it is family over everything for him.

It was not a popular decision among certain sections, but Bronny’s debut did not end up being on the same day, so it became a moot point. While LeBron will obviously play against the Celtics and I would expect him to dominate, his biggest priority of the day would be Zhuri.

LeBron James Chose His Family As His All-Time Starting Five

Just how important his family is to LeBron was on full display after he surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. As he addressed the crowd, James heartwarmingly revealed his all-time starting five: Bronny, Bryce, Zhuri, Gloria, and Savannah.

LeBron stated he wouldn’t be able to do the things he does on the court if he didn’t have his family’s support and commitment. They have never stood in the way of his career and even now, fully back him in his 21st season. Savannah even told LeBron in a Beats commercial to keep playing until he can share the court with his younger son Bryce.

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Celtics vs. Lakers Served Up Two Classics Last Season

While some heavyweight clashes end up being duds from time to time, the two contests between the Lakers and Celtics last season were anything but that. Both went to overtime and LeBron had a chance to win the game on each occasion as well.

The first clash in L.A., saw the Lakers have a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter, but the Celtics managed to tie the game with just under 20 seconds remaining. James then attempted a game-winner from beyond the arc, but missed, which sent the game to overtime. There, the Celtics took over to win 122-118.

While that would normally be the most memorable game between two sides in a season, better was yet to come, albeit for the wrong reasons. The game in Boston was a back-and-forth affair but yet again, LeBron had the ball in his hands with the scores tied at 105 with 4.1 seconds remaining.

This time, he went to the basket but clearly got fouled, only for the officials to not call it. LeBron was furious as he couldn’t believe the officials didn’t call a foul on the play. The Celtics would once again gain the upper hand in OT as they came away with a 125-121 win. James had averages of 37.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, 8.5 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game in those meetings and somehow went 0-2.

He’d be hoping for a change in their fortunes this time around. The 16-14 Lakers do go into that game on the back of a 129-120 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, where LeBron led the way with 40 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks.