Stephen Curry has said his relationship with LeBron James is “complex.” Curry and James have dominated the NBA for most of the last decade, winning eight NBA championships between them.
The Golden State Warriors superstar is one of the biggest rivals of the Los Angeles Lakers veteran. Their teams, the Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers faced each other in four straight NBA Finals (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018).
The two NBA veterans were born in the same hospital in Akron, Ohio, just under four years apart. Since then they have crossed paths many times since then. In his sophomore year, James went to watch Curry at the Sweet Sixteen game. Curry told GQ he even went to hang out at James’ house.
After joining the NBA in 2009, Curry gradually became one of the best players in the world and had to face James to decide who wins the NBA championships. He won the MVP twice and set numerous records in 2016, including leading the Warriors to a 73-9 season.
Curry and the Warriors beat James and the Cavaliers 3-1 in four NBA Finals. Their rivalry was certainly real during this period
Curry discusses relationship with LeBron
Speaking with Sports Illustrated, Curry said their relationship is weird:
“It’s complex,” Curry said. “Becuase you go from playing in the tournament and him coming to watch, to me coming in as a young rookie in the league and him giving me advice on how to get through some of the early struggles that I was gonna go through as a player, to the four Finals appearances in a row, playing against each other, to even last year playing in the playoffs again,” via CBS Sports.
The 35-year-old complimented James:
“He’s a great dude, great friend, great competitor, and it’s amazing to go back and look at where it all started.”
James and the Lakers eliminated Curry and the Warriors in the second round of the 2023 playoffs. Despite their competition, they have mutual respect for each other.
Curry snubs LeBron in his top 5
Sports Brief earlier reported on Curry naming his top 5 greatest NBA players and leaving LeBron James out of it.
He named Hall of Famers like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O’Neal on the list.
James is considered one of if not the best players in NBA history because of his longevity and the numerous records he holds.