People may not have noticed but LeBron James sure did, as he took to social media to voice his disappointment over the NBA’s decision to discontinue the beloved Christmas Day jerseys and the Los Angeles Lakers player has felt it.
The tradition, which began in 2012 under Adidas, featured festive designs that added a special touch to the holiday games. However, since Nike took over as the league’s uniform provider in 2017, the Christmas jerseys have been notably absent. LeBron, known for his influence both on and off the court, shared his feelings with a heartfelt message.
“Not having Xmas day unis anymore really sucks! That was a great feeling walking into the locker room and seeing those. It was literally like receiving a present! Whomp whomp!” His comments quickly resonated with fans and fellow players, sparking a wave of nostalgia and agreement over the missing holiday tradition.
The Christmas Day jerseys were more than just uniforms; they symbolized the festive spirit of the holiday games, adding an extra layer of excitement and joy for both players and fans. The unique designs and special editions became a cherished part of the NBA’s Christmas Day showcase, making each game feel like a celebration.
The new uniforms don’t cut it for everyone
Since Nike’s takeover, the absence of these festive jerseys has left a noticeable gap in the NBA’s holiday tradition. LeBron’s candid remarks have reignited the conversation, with many fans expressing their hope that Nike will reconsider and bring back the festive designs in the future.
The sentiment shared by James underscores the importance of maintaining traditions that bring joy and excitement to the game and, of course, the fans who ultimately play a part in this as they pay to buy their uniforms.
As the Lakers prepare to face the Golden State Warriors in a highly anticipated Christmas Day matchup, the conversation around the missing jerseys has added an extra layer of intrigue to the game.
LeBron’s influence and the wave of support from the basketball community may just be the push needed for Nike to reconsider its approach. The iconic Christmas Day jerseys are more than just a uniform; they are a symbol of the holiday spirit, unity, and the joy of the game.