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Neither the Los Angeles Lakers nor the Golden State Warriors are near the top of the NBA championship race, but LeBron James believes he and Stephen Curry continue to help anchor the league.
After the Lakers’ 115-113 win over Golden State on Christmas Day, James was asked what “good stuff” is on offer across the NBA every night. The four-time MVP responded with a three-word answer: “LeBron and Steph.”
Dave McMenamin @mcten
LeBron James when asked what is still great about the NBA today: “LeBron and Steph”
Austin Reaves, off camera: “Great f—ing answer” pic.twitter.com/tUJLglDpbf
A dearth of captivating rivalries is often cited whenever fans discuss what’s missing in today’s NBA. With so much player movement, it’s tough for teams and players to have the shared history the top stars and title contenders did decades ago.
James and Curry are an obvious exception.
Sure, it’s always a big occasion whenever two future Hall of Famers face off on the court. LeBron vs. Steph is special, though, because of their four meetings in the NBA Finals and their consequential battles in the Western Conference after James signed with the Lakers.
“It’s always a blast,” Curry said of going up against James, per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “Like, the competitive spirit, the history, his greatness. It allows me to just appreciate all that we’ve been through, all the battles back and forth and the fact that in 2024 we’re still doing it. And somehow the games are pretty electric and kind of a must-see TV situation. I love it. … You don’t know how many opportunities you’ll get to do it on this type of stage. So you kind of relish in it.”
The encounters carry an added significance now because fans know this won’t go on forever. James is into his 22nd season and turns 40 in a few days. while Curry will be 37 in March. Wednesday may have been the last time they cross paths on Christmas Day, one of the biggest dates on the NBA calendar.
The Lakers and Warriors play each other three more times this season, so there are still ample opportunities to savor an era-defining rivalry.
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