The idea of LeBron James and Stephen Curry teaming up has been thrown out for quite a few years now.
It’s quite ironic that both players have been linked as potential teammates for this long, considering their battles in the NBA Finals a decade ago. The two seemed to always have a respect for one another and never formed a meaningful rivalry, but things undoubtedly got personal between the two former MVPs at times.
But the two showed the world exactly what they’re capable of accomplishing as teammates for Team USA during the 2024 Summer Olympics. Though James wasn’t sure at the time if he could envision playing with Curry in the future, there was a lot he seemed to take away from the experience of playing with him.
“I was super excited to be able to finally team up with him in a win-or-die type atmosphere,” James said. “That’s what it was, being a part of the Olympics. It was everything that I dreamed of and aspired to want, to be a part of that team, along with Steph. Great memories. Something that I’ll remember from my basketball career for the rest of my life, for sure.”
Team USA’s path to a gold medal was far from easy. Serbia gave the Americans fits until James took on the challenge of guarding Nikola Jokić one-on-one. Curry also delivered one of the most iconic daggers you’ll ever see, bailing out a stagnant Team USA offense that was otherwise moving the ball around with precision during the tournament.
Both are still performing at a fairly high level at this stage of their NBA careers, but neither can be considered good enough to be the top dog of a championship-contending team. That’s why now might be the perfect time to give basketball fans one of the most improbable, unique duos the sports world has ever seen.
Assuming Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green are able to stay in the fold, the Golden State Warriors will be able to insulate both greats with two of the best defenders in the game today, even if both might be a step slower at this stage of their careers. It’ll also give the Warriors a chance to work Butler, who tore his ACL in January, back into the mix at a slower pace, perhaps just in time for the games that matter the most.
Though James has close relationships with Curry, Green, and Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, it’s hard to see how the Dubs would suddenly become heavier favorites to win a championship, given Golden State’s current roster construction, age, and injuries. However, the Warriors could always flip Butler’s salary and future draft picks to bring in another star if they were truly committed to seeing this vision come to light.
James seems likely to stay put with the Los Angeles Lakers, but if the four-time MVP decides to leave Hollywood, perhaps relocating several hundred miles north to team up with the NBA’s best shooter of all time could be the cinematic ending The King is looking for to close out his career.
