"This is the sacrifices that these guys make" - Rich Paul Drags Michael Jordan Into LeBron James Christmas Controversy to Expose Fan Hypocrisy

Popular sports agent Rich Paul commented on LA Lakers star LeBron James' remarks about playing on Christmas Day.

On Sunday, James, who is set to play in an NBA-record 20th Christmas Day game on Thursday, was asked if playing on Christmas still matters a lot to him.

"I'd much rather be at home with my family," James said. "Obviously, I'm gonna be completely honest, I would like to be home on the couch with my family all throughout the day. But our number is called, so we have to go out and perform, and I look forward to it."

On Monday's episode of "Game Over with Max Kellerman and Rich Paul," Kellerman asked Paul about his reaction to James' controversial comments, which generated mixed remarks from fans.

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"Actually, I thought that the reaction to it, most people were very like understanding," Paul said (Timestamp: 50:50). "The way you at it is, and this is the sacrifices that these guys make. ... When you talk about being present, you taking that away, but is also your job."

Paul also threw shots at fans, implying that the comment might have been taken differently if it were any other player aside from James:

"What I also saw him say was, 'I was looking forward to it.' People skip over that. And he also said that it's something that he's honored to be able to do. ... But the problem I got with that is if that was anybody else that said that, in that capacity, it would have been like... "Ten years from now, you'll play that tape on somebody or you'll see (Michael Jordan) say that to Ahmad Rashad, and people will be like."

LeBron James and the Lakers will host the Houston Rockets on Thursday at Crypto.com Arena. The game also marks the first Christmas Day meeting between James and Kevin Durant since 2018, when LA defeated Durant's Golden State Warriors.

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LeBron James holds several records on Christmas Day

Aside from holding the NBA record for most games played on Christmas Day, LA Lakers star LeBron James also has an opportunity to add to his several records on the holiday.

The 21-time NBA All-Star is the Christmas Day career leader in points (507), field goals made (180) and victories (11). James is also tied with LA Clippers star James Harden for 3-pointers made (31).

In addition, he is No. 2 in assists (137) and steals (28), and on Thursday, he could be No 1. James is eight assists behind Oscar Robertson (145) and two steals behind Russell Westbrook (30).

LeBron James, 40, could also appear in his final Christmas Day game. The Lakers star's future is always up in the air. He is on his 23rd NBA season, and his contract expires at the end of 2025-26.

Edited by Kim Daniel Rubinos