The NBA’s greatest shooter and greatest scorer. Two of the premiere faces in basketball the last two decades. What could’ve been as the trade deadline has come to a close, and teams look to load up for the final playoff push. Lebron James versus Stephen Curry is one of basketball’s greatest rivalries. Making for iconic moments in all of sports, as the two seemingly represented their conference every year in the 2010s. Now both on struggling teams in the Western Conference, ESPN Senior Insider Adrian Wojnarowski reports, Golden State made an unsuccessful bid to acquire Lebron James ahead of the trade deadline. The package the Warriors presented for Lebron has not been revealed; however, The Lakers and James have declined the offer. Though declined, rumors have surfaced about the two wanting to team up in the past. With the two praising one another amongst the media. While Only mere rumors, one can only wonder how dominant the duo could become. The good news is it speculated we will see the two play together this summer at the 2024 Paris Olympics. As Shams Charania reports James, Curry, and others have prepared to commit. Making it the first time the two will be teammates in a Team USA jersey.
You can’t tell the story of the NBA without shortly mentioning Lebron James or Stephen Curry. As their rivalry made for some of the most iconic moments in NBA history. From Curry and the Warriors ruining Lebron’s return to Cleveland in 2015, to Lebron and his Cavaliers spoiling the Warriors’ almost perfect season in 2016, Lebron James and Stephen Curry made history basketball fans will talk about for years to come. The two giants were almost sure locks to represent their conference each season in the 2010s. Making for one of the greatest rivalries in NBA history. Stephen Curry and his Warriors currently are ahead 3-2 in all-time postseason matchups. With the most recent matchup coming in the 2023 Western Conference Semifinals. James ended up getting the best of Curry this time. As the Lakers defeated the Warriors 4-2 to advance to the Western Conference finals. Where they fell to the eventual NBA Champions Denver Nuggets
The League’s Greatest Scorer
Playing now his 21st season, Lebron James is still one of the faces of the NBA. Playing longer than some current players have been alive. At age 39 the league’s all-time leading scorer is averaging 24.8 PPG, 7.2 REB, and 7.8 ASTs. All while shooting a very efficient 52% from the field. James is currently seeing his lowest point average since his rookie season; however, he is also averaging the most points per game for anyone in their 21st season. Solidifying him as one of the greatest players the league has ever seen. Despite James’ dominance, the Lakers find themselves in 9th place in a stacked Western Conference. A position they should be familiar with, as they found themselves in the play-in tournament last season. Clawing their way all the way to the conference finals. If the Lakers find themselves in a similar position as last season, they will be one the most battle tested teams. The Lakers currently find themselves one spot ahead of Curry’s Warriors 10th place Warriors in the playoff race.
The Greatest Point Guard Ever
The world’s greatest shooter Stephen Curry has made it to year 15. Still showing the world that he is not only the greatest shooter of all time, but also one of the greatest players of all time. Recently after a last second deep three to seal an 113-112 victory against the Phoenix Suns, Kevin Durant had a lot of praise for Curry. Durant goes on to say, “All-time great, the greatest ever at his position, top five ever, you give him a look like that for game, he’s licking his chops.” Claiming Curry is the greatest point guard of all time, and a top five player all time. Something Curry would also believe in. Stating he is the greatest point guard of all time on Gilbert Arenas’ podcast, “Gil’s Arena.” This is very high praise coming from Durant, a former teammate of Curry who helped the Warriors win two championships in 2017 and 2018. Placing him over elites like Magic Johnson. Curry is currently averaging 28 PPG, 4.4 REB, and 4.9 AST. While sitting in the last spot in the play in hunt. The Warriors are currently sitting in 10th place behind the Lakers; however, they are currently on a run of their own. Winning five in a row. Golden State still has a lot of work to do if they want to make it out of the play-in, as the Western Conference playoff race is tight as ever.
A Date in Paris
The Lakers and Warriors are in both the bottom Western Conference play-in spots. With every game increasing in importance as the season progresses. At this current rate, it is likely we will see the two teams play head-to-head in the 2024 play-in tournament. Adding another chapter to this storied rivalry. Regardless of what happens during the NBA season, the two are speculated to compete alongside each other in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Marking the first time the two will take the court together as teammates other than the all-star game. James and Curry might be one of the NBA’s greatest rivalries. Now we’ll get to see the two as a duo at the international stage. It is unsure if the two will play alongside each other at the NBA level; however, it will only added to this legendary rivalry.
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