Consider it the gift that keeps on giving.
Kobe Bryant will be playing on Christmas Day for the 16th and final time when the Lakers host the Clippers in a 7:30 p.m. showdown.
While this is a game between local rivals, the competitiveness is up for debate. The Clippers have beaten the Lakers seven consecutive times and 11 of their past 12, with a margin of victory nearly 20 points.
Therefore, the best staredown Friday night might be between Father Time and the NBA’s version of Father Christmas.
Despite Bryant missing the past two Christmas contests with injuries, no one has played more games that day.