Christmas with Luka and LeBron

I’m writing this on Christmas Day, 2022, and as I’ve written about before, I grew up with a very large and close family. Holidays were just another excuse to get together. Big family dinners were a regular thing. But since 2014 when I moved to North Carolina, I’ve spent most holidays alone, which to some people might seem sad, but usually the solitude is really nice.

This year, with my sisters and nephews in California and my daughters in Seattle and Okinawa, Japan, I figured why not catch a battle between Luka and LeBron. The Lakers were in town (Dallas), and I’d never seen LeBron live before, so I made the drive to American Airlines Center and caught the game in the comfort of the press box. Plus, the drive is really easy, especially when you’ve lived in Southern California. Those highways are a nightmare. A toddler could drive I-30, That’s a joke, please don’t encourage your toddler to try it.

The Mavericks really do have a loyal fan base. They are loud and definitely support their team. As I pulled up to the stadium, there was a huge crowd gathered in front. I didn’t know until I got inside that they were unveiling a Dirk Nowitzski statue in front of the stadium. Remember, before there was Luka, there was Dirk!

Before the game, I went down to the media dining room and had a really nice lunch. I was sitting at a table with another person from the press and I was never able to get his name, but he was on Facetime with his 12-year old daughter and it was hilarious. It may have bothered others that he was talking fairly loud and we could hear his daughter on the other side, but it didn’t bother me, mainly because without Facetime, I don’t know what I would have done. I’ve been a divorced Dad since my girls were seven and five and they are now 30 and 27, so I’ve utilized Facetime the entire time it’s been in existence, especially the last three years that my older daughter has been in Okinawa. It truly is the next best thing to being with the ones you love.

OK, back to his conversation with his 12-year old daughter. She was opening up her gifts and talking to him at the same time. She wanted some Kardashian stuff and the Dad was rolling his eyes and I was laughing. I whispered, “how old is she?” He said, “12.” I said, “my two daughters were the same at that age, it gets better.” He eventually made me part of his conversation when he said, “let me ask you something, do your daughters ever call you or do you have to call them all the time?” I laughed and said, “when they were 12, I had to call them. They’d even send my call to voicemail, not realizing I could tell they saw my name and sent the call to voicemail.” He said, “oh OK, I thought it was just my daughter.” The entire time we’re talking, she’s telling him about every gift she’s opening up and then yelled at him about not paying attention. She said, ‘Daddy, I want your undivided attention!” I almost spit my food out, it was so funny. I finished my lunch, shook his hand and left the dining room. I never got his name, but I feel like we bonded.

Fast forward to the game and from this vantage point (high above center court), watching players like Luka and LeBron, at times felt like watching grown men playing against high schoolers. And remember, at one time, each one of these players was the best player at their high school or college, so watching two men who are arguably Hall of Fame candidates, rise above the others, just shows how truly gifted they are.

And during the game, I’m participating in four different text message chains with family and friends, so I feel like I’m getting the best of both worlds. And I’ve got ESPN, my email and Facebook all up on my laptop, so ladies, men can definitely multitask when we want to. Actually, I should be exhausted right now. And to top off all of that, one of the TV monitors they have in the press box is playing the Packers vs Dolphins game and the only thing I love more than a Bears victory is a Packers loss and they just won, so I’m slightly depressed on what should be a joyous Christmas Day. Santa knows the Packers and Aaron Rodgers have been naughty all year, they didn’t deserve a victory today. Oh yeah, I’m at a basketball game.

The Lakers have been winning the entire time I’ve been writing this, but the Mavs have exploded, hitting three-pointer after three-pointer and have taken the lead for the first time today.

The score is currently 84-65 Mavs and there’s 2:20 left in the third quarter. So, it’s too early to celebrate. I’m a baseball guy, but basketball is the kind of game where the lead can change places repeatedly.

The fourth quarter is about to begin, and the Mavs now lead 94-75.

My favorite part of the Mavs games is “The Maniacs.” They are a group of about 15 guys, all built like me (full-figured) and they’re a dance team. They are awesome! They came out between the third and 4th quarter time out. If you haven’t seen them, go to YouTube and search, Dallas Mavericks Maniacs and you’ll love them. OK, The Maniacs made me get over the Packer victory.

Well, the Lakers gave the Mavs and their fans a scare, but the Mavs held on for a 124-115 victory on this glorious Christmas Day.

Now I get to spend at least an hour trying to get out of the parking garage. Thanks for allowing me to share this Christmas Day 2022 with all of you!

I hope everyone has a safe and prosperous 2023!