"I think NFL can take over whatever day that they want to take over." Several Detroit Lions players shared their thoughts on LeBron James’ comments about the NFL’s slate of Christmas Day games.

The NBA has long dominated Christmas, just as Thanksgiving has become synonymous with football, but viewers got the best of both worlds on Wednesday.

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James took a moment yesterday to apparently throw some shade at the NFL, seemingly defending the NBA's claim over sports on Christmas Day. More News: Steelers Star Cam Heyward on Christmas Chiefs Loss: "I Own That" In a post-game interview following the Lakers' narrow 115-113 over the Golden State Warriors,

Coach Dan Campbell stood at the podium after Detroit blew a 17-point lead to San Francisco in last season’s NFC title game and talked about how that might have been the Lions only shot at reaching the Super Bowl.

The Detroit Lions will know how meaningful their matchup with the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night will carry before they step on the field. If Minnesota defeats Green Bay on Sunday, the Lions will still have to beat the Vikings in the regular-season finale to take the NFC North and gain the top seed in the NFC playoffs.

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell gives his early thoughts on the Week 17 Monday Night Football contest against San Francisco 49ers.