Stephen Curry and LeBron James have dominated the NBA for over 15 years now. They hail from the same place, Akron, Ohio. Rumors suggest they were born in the same hospital in Akron. But the all-time leading scorer is only three years older than the three-point King. However, the former Cleveland Cavaliers superstar is a lot senior to the Golden State Warriors talisman. LBJ made his NBA debut in 2003. On the other hand, Steph made his debut in 2009. However, irrespective of when their NBA careers started, they eventually became arch-rivals.
Moreover, it was their epic rivalry that was the center of attraction in the league in the last decade. From 2015 to 2018, LeBron James and Stephen Curry led their respective teams to the NBA Finals four times in a row. Steph and the Dubs had the upper hand as they won three of those four Finals series. But the James-led Cavaliers side spoiled the party of the 73-9 Warriors in the 2016 Finals. Anyway, over the years, the relationship between the two greats of the game changed from fierce rivalry to mutual admiration.
Stephen Curry & LeBron James Denies Rumors Of Any Hatred Between The Two
Lately, the two greats of the game are busy preparing for the Summer Olympics. It will be Steph’s first Olympic Appearance. Meanwhile, James will try to win his third Olympic gold medal. Moreover, Team USA has formed a modern-day Dream Team for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Besides Curry and James, they also have Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, and so on. Lately, in an interview with The Athletic, Stephen Curry mentioned that there has always been a “Healthy resentment” towards LBJ. He explained it further, saying that he always looked up to James as someone who is standing on his way to the NBA title. But Steph always had the utmost respect for the kind of person and player LeBron James has been over the years.
Moreover, Stephen Curry said, “He is so good that I have always seen it as a challenge to keep competing against him year after year.” Later, in an interview, LeBron James agreed with his new Team USA teammate that there has never been a necessity to hate each other. Perhaps during the period between 2015 and 2018, there was tension between them. But that has faded over the years. Moreover, LBJ added that basketball careers are pretty limited. Hence, he says, “You would not want to miss a chance to build a relationship with another player.”
Kevin Durant Shed Some Light On The James-Curry Rivalry
Another superstar in the Team USA, Kevin Durant mentioned that when Steph faced off against the all-time leading scorer he was not a youngster anymore. Hence, he could not have looked up to Bron like he previously did. Then, from idol, LBJ transformed into a fierce competitor for Curry and that’s what the latter became for the former as well. But now, KD feels there is more mutual admiration and respect between the two greats.
When they used to compete against each other they used to consider each other rivals, but now Durant feels they have become closer friends. These three superstars, KD, LBJ and Steph drew massive TV audiences in the last decade. Durant was the Finals MVP twice in 2017 and 2018 when he helped the Dubs win against the James-led Cavs.
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