Lakers, Heat ready for Christmas Day game

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The Los Angeles Lakers are getting ready for their highly anticipated Christmas Day game against the Miami Heat.

The team practiced in El Segundo on Thursday to prepare for their showdown.

Pau Gasol and Derek Fisher said playing on Christmas does not wear on them at all.

"You're playing Christmas Day, that means you're one of the best teams in the league. That's always a good thing," Gasol said.

Fisher said he knows fans enjoy watching the game on Christmas.

"A lot of families will be sitting around the television and watching, and so we're still going to come out and give the best effort we can," he said.

Lebron James, on the other hand, said he wished he could just be with his family instead of playing basketball on Christmas.

"If you ask any player in the league, we'd rather be home with our families," James said. "I think the people that even set the games up would rather be home with their family during this day. It's not just a regular holiday. It's definitely one of those days that you wish you could wake up in the morning with the kids and open up presents."

Phil Jackson shared James' sentiment.

"I don't think anybody should play on Christmas Day," Jackson said Tuesday night "I don't understand it."

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

Watch the NBA on ABC7 this Christmas Day:

• 11 a.m. NBA Countdown
• 11:30 a.m.: Boston Celtics at Orlando Magic
• 2 p.m.: Miami Heat at Los Angeles Lakers
• 5 p.m.: ABC7 Sports Zone
• 6 p.m.: ABC7 Eyewitness News at 6pm

Get the complete TV listings for ABC7 on Christmas Day

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